Drogba sure to get CAF award
With the final trio for the 2013 African Footballer of the Year already known, debaters are gradually reconciling their positions and it all seems to be pointing towards former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba, ahead of his compatriot Yaya Toure and Cameroonian Alexander Song.
The vote is underway and the new African Soccer King will be revealed in few hours in Accra, Ghana, but very few fans and pundits across the continent believe the Ivorian captain will not get it.
Statistically, Drogba outshone his two contenders during the course of the year and very few voters will not be influenced by his immense contribution to Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League victory last May in Munich, where he revived hopes for the Blues with a timely equaliser and hit home the decisive spot kick.
That alone is enough to silence critics, close the debate and hand the 34-year-old striker what is due to him. However, we shouldn’t forget he was the one who led the Ivorian team to the final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations without conceding any loss or goal across five games, and only losing on penalties to eventual winners Zambia.
Reigning King Yaya Toure may likely lose his crown, not because his collective showings were not inspiring enough, but they may be dwarfed by Drogba’s year-long success, in the eyes of many voters.
Beside his monstrous influence at Etihad Stadium which was essential to Manchester City’s Premier League title, Toure has no singular achievement to boast of during the year.
Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Song appears far from he who may be of threat to Drogba’s chances at the vote. At club level, his performances have been laudable but may not outstanding enough to sway voters to his side.
His recent move to Barcelona brought him to wide focus, however, he’s yet to earn for himself a regular spot with the Blaugrana under Tito Vilanova.
Drogba stands out and appears to be the one to be celebrated on Thursday December 20 in Accra not far from where he was born, Abidjan.
I would vote the Ivorian if I were among the deciders but unfortunately I’m not, and perhaps you aren’t too, but who would you have voted?
