South AustraliaUnifiesAfrican Nations- HostingTheAfrican Cup Of Nations

SOUTH AUSTRALIA UNIFIESAFRICAN NATIONSHOSTING THE AFRICAN CUPOF NATIONS

PROMOTINGAFRICAN UNITYIN A FORIEGN LAND

After a one-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the African Cup of Nations hosted by Australia is wading stronger in 2021.

The tournament which was hosted by South Australia is drawing from more than 20 African countries. It is run by the African Communities Council of South Australia, as well as the Football Federation of South Australia.

The pioneer competition was held in 2001 with just four teams entered. Now in its 20th year, more than 20 teams will compete, representing their home nations, with both a men's and women's competition.

However, the event is not just about football, with each African nation hoping to share its vibrant culture with the South Australia community, the tournament celebrates African culture and football. It provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with the African-Australian community and support Football Empowerment?s initiative.

The tournament also provides players with the opportunity to show off their skills to scouts, coaches and football clubs, since it has previously featured some of South Australia?s top football players. Many of them now play at the highest level in Australia.

Despite the restrictions on crowd numbers because of COVID-19 restrictions, about 2,500 fans will be allowed in each day to watch and those present are expected to create an incredible atmosphere and storm the pitch when the winning team is crowned.

Consolidated diverse communities ? with participants representing the likes of Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Sudan ? provided an event that had the potential to uncover the next wave of African-Australian stars.

Football unites our diverse African communities and there is an incredible amount of football talent within these communities waiting to be unearthed and identified.

African governments and able organizations can create Football Empowerment programs that will provide an opportunity for the next generation of African professional players to be identified while unifying the communities.

Go r ge o u s

Ms. Nikki Okechukwu

IHUOMA ADA