THE GAME of football, a by large measure, unites a nation, and this was brought to bear at the just ended African Cup of Nations tournament, where political divisiveness and accusations from Ghana’s two main political parties, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) went almost missing.
A check on several competitions played across the continent as well as the topmost competition in the world goes to reiterate this position.
In my candid opinion, to say football is a religion in Africa is an understatement, it is a way of life to the African; hence the massive following it attracts.
It is a game with the power to make feuding persons unite in celebration.
Recent occurrences at the just ended Nations Cup, hosted by Angola, where the Togolese bus was attacked by blood thirsty rebels in the Cabinda region of the country would go into history as a dark day in African Football.
One decision I found ridiculous is the continent’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF’s) decision to ban the Togolese National Team for pulling out of the tournament following the gun attack that saw two persons losing their lives.
The team was also to pay a fine of $50, 0000 for quitting the competition. I believe this is the most disgraceful decision by CAF for the year 2010 which described the Togolese government decision to call the playing body back home and the subsequent declaration of three days national mourning for the departed souls as a political interference in the game.
Perhaps, the technical team that deliberated on the occurrence and recommended the above verdict ought to be thoroughly examined.
The group’s recommendation and CAF’s action can be likened to the Ghanaian ‘Human Rights Activists’ who often go to war when the police shoots and kills an armed robber but go to bed when the story is the opposite where an armed robber turns around and kills the police officer.
One question this group of technical experts and CAF President Issa Hayatou needs to ask themselves is: ‘Would the committe or Mr Hayatou for that matter wait in Angola should their families whom they travelled with to Angola with were shot dead by ‘vicious rebels’ seeking to control the region’s wealth?
Much as I would agree, Mr Hayatou’s term as ‘chief strategist’ of the continental game has seen tremendous improvement in the game, I believe his continued stay in power like greedy corrupt leaders scattered across the African continent who still hold on to power even in their dying moments, may hasten an early demise of our football stars who are making strides to promote unity among war torn countries on the continent through the game cherished by all and sundry.
I totally support the Togolese team captain, Emmanuel Adebayo’s call for Mr Hayatou to be relieved of his post.
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