Former Chelsea FC and Ivory Coast national team player Didier Drogba has said he is ready to collaborate with Tanzania in promoting the sports sector, especially football, as part of the preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Drogba, who is visiting Tanzania, made the remarks after holding special talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. He said he was pleased with the invitation he received from the Ministry of Sports and the President himself to see how he can help with the preparations for the major tournament in Africa.
Tanzania’s Head of State had requested Drogba to be Tanzania’s ambassador for the 2027 PAMOJA AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from June 19th to July 17th.
President Hassan made the request on May 5th, while speaking to Drogba immediately after arriving at Chamwino State House in Dodoma. The retired striker also attended the Tanzania budget presentation by Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda, following a special invitation.
Drogba’s expertise will be invaluable
“We believe Drogba’s expertise will be invaluable in creating sustainable sports infrastructure that benefits our young athletes,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry following the meeting.
For his part, Drogba thanked President Hassan for the invitation and expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Tanzanian Government in various areas of sports development.
Drogba, who is the all-time top scorer for the Ivory Coast and ranks fourth for the all-time African men’s top goalscorers in international football, responded: “I am honoured by President Hassan’s invitation and look forward to contributing to Tanzania’s sporting vision.”
In addition, President Hassan directed the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports to collaborate with the player in exchanging experiences on the operation of sports centres in the country (Sports Academies), as part of strengthening sports development in the country.
Drogba, who is among players who have achieved great success in the world and has helped his national team play in two Africa Cup of Nations finals, said he has seen the great efforts being made by the Tanzanian government in promoting sports.
Drogba, who was named African Footballer of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2009, cited the increase in the sector’s budget from a small amount to more than 200 million as a move he called impressive and indicative of a true commitment to development.
“The sports sector is an important resource for social development. It has the potential to support young people and strengthen society as a whole,” said Drogba.
In addition, Drogba gave advice to Tanzanian youth who aspire to play football, emphasising the importance of education alongside sporting talent. He said lasting success requires a person to have values, knowledge and discipline.
“Many want to be soccer players, but education is the foundation of everything. It helps you become a responsible and ethical person. With education, you can achieve your dreams and stay successful,” he stressed.
Drogba on what made him the best
Drogba, who moved to Chelsea for £24 million in 2004, making him the most expensive Ivorian player of all time, added that personal belief, constant learning and having a strong foundation in life are what helped him achieve great success in his soccer career.
“I am speaking about this very clearly, because my father never wanted me to play football,” said Drogba, who made his football debut at the age of 21 for Ligue 2 club Le Mans.
“But I am speaking about a time when football was not seen as a professional career as it is now. So, I understood him, I understood his fears as a parent about his child’s future.
“But at the same time, I was very determined to succeed as a football player, so much so that I also had to work hard in school. My education was like a safety net because if I got injured or failed to achieve my dream of becoming a player, I would still be able to succeed through education.”
Drogba added: “Now, times have changed. Yes, parents should support their children in their dreams, but at the same time they should be close to them to show them the right path and warn them not to follow the wrong path. This is a challenge for every parent, even if I face it with my children.
“But it is also a good journey to go through together. And when success comes, it is everyone’s success. My father did not want me to play football, but I proved him wrong. It was not a fight against it, but it was a fight within myself to prove that I can. And today, my father is the happiest man.”
On why he loves sports, Drogba said: “Regarding sports as an economic sector, that is why I love sports, especially football. Many people want to play football, but very few succeed in being selected. Now what do the others do? Many think that is the end of their journey in sports but it is not true.
“The sports industry has so many opportunities. You can be a coach, a sports director, or even someone who maintains the stadiums so that others can play. There are so many jobs in this industry. It has clearly shown that it has created a lot of jobs.”
The 2027 edition will be the first AFCON in history to be co-hosted by three countries, presenting a unique opportunity for CAF and African football to reach over 400 million people in the East Africa region.
