By Fredrick Nadduli,
Suspended Fifa supremo Sepp Blatter is a marked man. The Swiss national, at the helm of world football’s governing body for over a decade and a half, alongside Uefa president Michel Platini, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, out in the cold and away from their powerful offices, and facing numerous charges of impropriety that have left their impending legacies seriously dented.

Dreaded American agency the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is their tormentor-in-chief, unearthing scandal after another in a spirited attempt to have the two top honchos take permanent leave from the helm of the planet’s most popular sport and possibly face prosecution.

For all he is facing at the moment, monsieur Blatter has his shadow looming large over the dark continent of Africa, his massive footprint etched deep in this continent.

SOUTH AFRICA 2010

When he assumed office, he made numerous promises, none of which attracted interest like the promise to bring the coveted World Cup to Africa for the first time ever.

Fifa member states of the African continent followed subsequent developments with a keen eye, and although Africa missed out on the chance to host the biggest fiesta in 2006, when Germany won it under controversial circumstances right at the death after Oceania ignominiously absconded from voting, there was no denying South Africa and Africa the rights four years on.

And so Blatter had fulfilled his long standing promise, and a memorable tournament took place for the first time ever this part of the world.

Africa’s five representatives, apart from Ghana who did ever so well only to wilt when it mattered most, fell far short of expectation after promising displays in previous bonanzas where Cameroun (Italia 90), Nigeria (USA 94), and Senegal (Japan/S.Korea 02) had mesmerized the world and sent strong signals that the sleeping giant was finally stirring from slumber.

Inconsistency has been Africa’s major undoing, blowing hot and cold as the rest followed up steadily on their progress. Be that as it may, the World Cup was held on African soil, and Sepp was the chief architect.

For that, his legacy, albeit tainted, will linger long here, from Cape to Cairo et al.

FIFA ELECTIONS

With elections looming in February, and Blatter effectively out of the running, it is time Africa stepped up the plate and took its place at the football table of men.

Long serving Caf president Issa Hayatou was put in temporary charge in Blatter’s forced absence.

Europe has dominated world soccer for long by virtue of its flawed numbers, and time is ripe for this continent to stick out its neck and hold a powerful stake in shaping the direction of the sport going forward.

Future decisions must have the strong hand of Africa, devoid of being shepherded at every given opportunity.
Rise up and hold your candle to Europe, Asia and South America.