By Tinzwei Yet another soccer contest has been bestowed upon us; the oldest international continental football showpiece is unfolding i...
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By Tinzwei
Yet another soccer contest
has been bestowed upon us; the oldest international continental football showpiece
is unfolding in Chile, one of the initial four teams to grace the primary contest
in 1916.
Due to wayward time
zones, Africa has been sidelined. Boasting a colossal 99 year history, Uruguay
is the most successful competitor with 15 tittles. Though marred by
administrative squabbles, it has endured for a century. Giving each country a chance
to host using alphabetical rotation, Brazil’s 2015 turn was waivered due to
their hosting of the last edition of World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Due to their small numbers,
all countries in South America have had a chance to host, with Argentina
hosting it nine times, when considering the previous setup, leaving space for
other invitees from other association. Mexico and Jamaica are currently utilising
that option this year. 1993 was the odd year when neither Brazil nor Uruguay
has finished in the top four slots. I long Africa could achieve such feat, it
remains my dream.
As the competition unfolds,
many including myself are safely tucked in bed and probably dreaming of the
impending Afcon tourney. Watching a live match might be a pipe dream for most
but we are still with South America in spirit. Mentioning spirits, the Neymar dud
is void of any sporting spirit and his squad he will rue his act.
Here is a young man,
aged 23, laden with a capable prospect, then bestowed with the famous Brazilian
number 10 jersey plus the captaincy and also achieving a treble with Barcelona.
After all this has been said and accomplished, he proceeds to profile referees
as matures and inexperienced. This is the same Neymar who a few years back was apprenticing
in the lower echelons of Brazilian league before he crossed the divide into
Europe.
And behold, all of a
sudden he nominates the official’s behaviour unofficial after his unpalatable manners.
And no one will miss his presence just like Luis Suarez the Uruguan workaholic.
Big man do cry as well, they say and Neymar is a diminutive fellow and here in Africa
we here his cry far and wild, even in our wildest dreams.
“That’s what
happens when you have a weak referee. I only lose my rag when officials don’t
do their jobs,” that was his valid reason for releasing a head butt towards an opponent.
And now Neymar
gives reporters a right to write on his uncalled behaviour. So his short stint
in Europe has made him an expert in football matters. Fortunately, his career
is not over yet, but his temperance need to.
As the twilight of
the competition nears, many in Africa are clamouring for Argentina or Brazil to
lift the trophy. But history is always stubborn with Uruguay the most
successful team with a trophy haul of 15. Can they triumph once more lacking Suarez,
the man whose teeth tears into opponents.
Argentina, the only
squad to claim the title on three consecutive occasions coming in 145, 1946 and
1947 respectively, are oiled by Lionel Messi. So, as Zincha, the official
mascot performs his craze just as Zakumi at 2010 in South Africa, and as Nike
Cachana, the official ball game spins along, I will be deep in slumber awaiting
the July 4 finale. – Tinzwei.
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