I ❤️ AFCON as it’s a great opportunity provider !!!
Young footballers always ask what it takes to be successful. As much as I know that there isn’t a guaranteed recipe for success, the recipe that always comes to mind (and which could apply to any industry) is –
*** Half a cup of TALENT ***
Talent – “a natural ability to be good at something, especially without being taught”
*** A cup of OPPORTUNITY ***
Opportunity – “an occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something”
*** 2 cups of DETERMINATION ***
Determination – “the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult”
Ref – Cambridge dictionary
With my vast experience of working in the African market (Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Ghana 🇬🇭), it is evident that the main ingredient which tends to be in short supply is the OPPORTUNITY! On a regular basis, you meet young talented players, who are determined to succeed, and have the right discipline and attitude, but lack the opportunity and exposure to prove themselves!
On occasion, you meet a player with the OPPORTUNITY and DETERMINATION, but no matter how much his parents pay and push, it’s just not working out because the TALENT is in short supply! I have also seen cases where the TALENT and OPPORTUNITY are both present, but the player’s DETERMINATION to succeed is in short supply, so his career never amounts to anything!
What are your thoughts for your regions of expertise ? And what do you think is the main missing ingredient? feel free to leave comments below.
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