South Africa 2010: A Turning Point for African Football

"The World Cup in South Africa was the beginning of a new way of thinking about Africa. We believed that we could host a World Cup, and it was evident that South Africa was prepared. Now, the organization of CAF Champions League matches or qualifying matches is very different from before the 2010 World Cup," said Drogba during this roundtable discussion.

The former striker for English team Chelsea, French team Olympique de Marseille, and Turkish team Galatasaray, considered that with South Africa 2010, the continent "realized that it was ready to host major events," as he assured during a virtual forum organized by the World Football Summit and former Brazilian footballer and entrepreneur Ronaldo Nazario.

Drogba participated in this roundtable discussion along with the General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Abdel Bah; the Director of HEA Sports company, Hicham El Amrani; and the coach of South African team Mamelodi Sundowns F.C, Pitso Mosimane.

All of them agreed that South Africa 2010 "showed the world that Africa could do it," as stated by Bah, and it was "a unique World Cup," which generated "a change in perception about South Africa and the continent," added El Amrani.

"The FIFA President said it was the best-organized World Cup up to that point. The stadiums were completed on time despite some doubt, and they were world-class stadiums. And beyond that, it showed many people what Africa is," added South African coach Mosimane.