These men once fought hard for the African National Congress (ANC). Their struggle ensured that apartheid was overthrown and the 2010 FIFA World Cup could happen in a democratic South Africa. Yet, they appear to have been conveniently forgotten by the party they once served.
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 1 September 2010 - Text
Football promotes the honour of Ivory Coast like most African countries. A win or lose brings pride or frustration to the Head of State. Soccer entices millions of fans in Africa, therefore some politicians are tempted to use it as a medium to lure sympathizers to their camp.
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 9 August 2010 - Text
Didier Drogba belongs to the league of Ivorian footballers who left their motherland for France at a tender age. But why did the ex-forward of Marseille, who has dual French and Ivorian citizenship, decide to play for Ivory Coast? What made his Ivory Coast tenure a success?
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 29 July 2010 - Text
The World Cup warm-up draw against FC Lausanne, a Swiss second division club, shows how desperately The Elephants need Didier Drogba. The poor performance of his team mates during his absence fuels the debate over Ivory Coast’s national football team’s inveterate dependence on the talismanic Number 11.
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 15 June 2010 - Future stars and yesterday's heroes, Text
For Diepsloot dwellers who had no tickets, the Fan Park was the closest they could get to a stadium atmosphere. However, there was a lot more at stake for them than a mere victory for South Africa, they were cheering for a better life. So what does the 2010 FIFA World Cup mean to people living in Diepsloot, one of Johannesburg’s deprived townships?
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 15 June 2010 - Text
Drogba is more than just a footballer. The charismatic captain, even took the lead in begging his nation’s warring factions to lay down their weapons and join in peace. Many say that it was his intervention that stopped Ivory Coast tearing itself further apart. How far can The Elephants progress without Didier Drogba?
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 6 June 2010 - Text
Many footballers have used their influence to great effect in their home country, whether by sponsoring a charity or by linking their names to a project, but none has ever stopped a country tearing itself apart as Didier Drogba did for Ivory Coast. By requesting that the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers match against Madagascar be played in Bouake, the stronghold of rebel forces, he played a pivotal role in bringing about peace in the country.
By Selay Marius Kouassi - 4 June 2010 - Text
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