24 June 2002
editorial
For many Kenyan, and indeed African, soccer fans, the World Cup ended on Saturday with Senegal's elimination by Turkey at the quarter-final stage of the tournament in Japan.
The gallant Senegalese united the continent after Nigeria's Super Eagles and Cameroon's Indomitable Lions, Africa's favourite teams, failed to make it through to the second round.
Discipline and hard work were the main reasons behind Senegal's fairy-tale run in the tournament, in which they were playing for their first time.
Unlike their Nigerian and Cameroonian counterparts, the Senegalese Football Association officials gave the team the best possible preparation for the tournament, and created a conducive atmosphere for the team.
Support came from the West African country's Head of State, Mr Abdoulaye Wade, and the entire population.
The Lions of Teranga did not grumble over unpaid allowances, and there were no hitches in the team's preparations, lessons other African federations must learn if soccer standards throughout the continent are to improve.
With Fifa President Sepp Blatter having already promised that Africa will host the World Cup in 2010, the time to start nurturing Kenya's dream of playing in the world's premier soccer show-case is now.
It may sound a distant dream but it is one that can come true. However, this can only happen if the Kenya Football Federation gets its act together.
The other lesson we learnt is that Africa has come of age in football, and the teams which have so far excelled cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
Football has truly gone global, and although it is only a game, it is one of the few activities that can unify countries regardless of race, ideology or even wealth. It is a great equaliser.
Meanwhile, congratulations to the Lions of Teranga!
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