Witchdoctors banned from Nations Cup
BAMAKO, Thursday
THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) have banned “team advisors,” otherwise known as witchdoctors, from any role within teams competing in the African Nations Cup.
The Confederation took the step to avoid presenting a “third-world image” during the most high-profile tournament on the continent.
Countries that in the past have employed so-called “wisemen” include Mali, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cameroun, Congo, Togo, Ivory Coast and Zambia.
And there are reports that some intend to avoid the ban by buying their spiritual advisors tickets for the games.
Once inside the ground the witchdoctor will then get to work, spreading “juju” in essential places.
Witchdoctors have travelled with squads at past competitions to be available for consultation at all times.
And Nigeria famously banned the Kenyan team’s witchdoctor from attending a World Cup qualifier for France ’98.
The Juju man had seen Kenya go on a nine-month unbeaten run since his employment. However, prohibited from attending the game, his team lost 3-0.
But the BBC’s African Player of the Year, Bayern Munich defender Samuel Kuffour, is sceptical of the role they can play.
“It is an old belief that has no place in modern football,” he said.
“Juju can never help a player become a superstar. Only hard work, training and discipline will do that.”
And on the eve of the Cup of Nations, CAF has a lot on its mind.
Before the action even kicks off on the pitch, (CAF) must first address a number of pressing issues at its bi-annual congress.
The main topic of discussion will be the plan to make the Cup of Nations a World Cup qualifying event.
In essence, this will mean the four semi-finalists in 2006 will be packing their bags for Germany, plus one more selected from a system yet to be worked out.
But while this plan is expected to meet with overwhelming approval, there are several more controversial issues to be debated.
Chief among them is the election of members to CAF’s executive committee.
The post of CAF vice-president is up for grabs, and a modest fashion parade could be organised with the number of hats thrown into the ring.
No fewer than six football federation heads have put their names forward.
Another hotly-contested position is that of Leo Mugabe, nephew of Zimbabwe’s President Robert, who is fighting to defend his seat on the committee from South African FA chief Molefi Oliphant.
There are also two prestigious places on Fifa’s executive committee being decided.
But both current incumbents - Ismail Bhamjee of Botswana and Amadou Diakite of Mali - are expected to keep their places.--BBC
