Africa: Lively Dance Kicks Off New Soccer Tournament

24 February 2009
allAfrica.com
By Aliou Goloko

Abidjan — The new African Nations Championship (CHAN) soccer tournament got off to a sober but colourful start in Abidjan on Sunday with the help of hundreds of artists of the Koteba dance and theatre company. The event runs until March 8.

The inaugural ceremonies of the tournament - considered to be the junior African Cup of Nations (AFCON) - were modest, reflecting the world economic climate from which Cote d'Ivoire is not spared. There were no fireworks, no big concerts, nor the displays which are usually features of the opening ceremonies of AFCON or the World Cup.

Cote d'Ivoire opted for a low-key though culturally-rich ceremony in which Soleymane Koly and the artists from Koteba revisited the choreographic traditions of the host nation. Traditional dances from Zouglou to Poro and even that of Akan were all presented.

The talented dance troupe thrilled the huge crowd which turned out at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium with a "football dance.” For two hours, the Koteba dancers painted a scenario of daily life in their country in a spectacle that was greatly appreciated by the onlookers.

In the presence of the Presidents Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso, Yayi Boni of Benin and Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d'Ivoire, the dancers and drummers played out their hearts, portraying a country that has once again become a haven of peace, hospitality and friendliness.

Inferior to "Ivory Coast 84"

Those who were hoping for a grand ceremony like that of 1984, when the country hosted AFCON, were quick to denounce Sunday's event. The images of a huge elephant and white doves, and the pomp and pageantry which laid the ground for the present-day opening ceremonies of AFCON, have remained inscribed in the memories of those who experienced them.

But at that time the country was experiencing real stability compared to the uncertainty of the past few years. On Sunday, the organizers set out to portray a joyous and pacific nation.

And the modesty of the ceremony did not affect the artists, who moved the public by giving the best of themselves. The opening ceremony having proved a success, we can now look forward to a beautiful display of the best of African football.

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