2013 AFCON: Let The Excitement Begin

The 2013 African Cup of Nations will finally kick off tomorrow in South Africa amidst excitement and expectations.

It is the 29th edition and the first time the African mundial will be held in an odd year, a design by the Confederation of African football, CAF, to avoid the championship being held in the same year as the FIFA World Cup.

After an expected elaborate opening ceremony, hosts, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and debutants, Cape Verde Islands will take to the pitch for the opening match of the Championship.

Johannesburg will host the opening and final matches while other centres are in Rustenburg. Nelsprint and Port Elizabeth.

Having successfully hosted the 2010 World Cup, South Africa has what it takes to bring back the sparkle to the Nations Cup, which it is hosting after Libya, the initial host was swopped.

Only a year ago the continent and beyond was thrilled by the crème dela crème of African football in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which threw up Zambia as eventual champions.

Already, pundits are creating their favourites. Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana seem to be high on the lists of predicators of eventual winners.

But with returnees after 31 years of absence, Ethiopia, First timers, Cape Verde, who stopped the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the hosts and the North African contingents fancying their chances for glory, it may be fool hardy for any one to stick his neck out too much on predictions.

Certainly, which ever country that lifts the trophy will be making history with the coronation of the odd years. And if Zambia fails to mount successful defence of their title, they will make history as the only champions to have reigned for one odd year only.

Indeed, all 16 nations in South Africa have cause to feel the hand of history on their shoulders.

Overall, the AFCON is a festival of friendly rivalries. It is a pan-African funfair, one of the most colourful football tournaments on planet Earth. The fans are expected to make all the difference even when teams falter. They drum, they sing, they dance, they celebrate in flamboyant costumes and drama.

The plurality, diversity and uniformity of African culture finds its fullest and most passionate expression at one and the same time.

For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the aging golden generation of Cote d’ Ivoire, Black Stars of Ghana and perhaps, the north African teams, it is an opportunity to taste success again.

But the AFCON is a people’s affair, far more than a love for trophies. It touches almost every home through out the continent. And from tomorrow to 10th February will be action time.

Let the excitement begin, let the Vuvuzelas sound and let the talents of Africa shine through from South Africa.