2 2 M a y 2 0 1 1T h e M a y F a i r H o t e l

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Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign.

Welcome to the inaugural Best of Africa Awards, an evening celebrating this amazing continent’s contribution to football in the UK.For many, the journey begins with the arrival of Phil Masinga and Lucas Radebe at Leeds United in the early 1990’s as the first time African players made an impact in Britain. The generation before might remember Albert Johanneson in the 1960’s. But the story begins way before that. 1899, to be precise, the year South Africa’s Wilfred Waller turned out for Bolton Wanderers.Naturally, football in this country has matured significantly since then. Today, supporters come with their families to watch in new build, all seated stadiums, the threat of hooliganism a rarity and where teams field players from across the globe. This development, in particular, has been crucial in allowing the game in this country to stand apart from others.Getting here, however, has been no mean feat. Decades of abuse aimed at our black players threatened to drive the game into obscurity. Names like Cyrille Regis, Paul Elliott and Luther Blissett and a host of

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others, endured rampant racism from all quarters; fans, players, managers and so on.The inception of Kick It Out, with the help of the PFA, provided a clarion call. We were to speak out about the discrimination, punish the perpetrators, work to educate fans and the bodies governing the game.The work done and progress made over the past 18 years has meant players from across the globe now feel safe plying their trade in this country, free from intimidation and abuse based on colour, creed or nationality.The opportunity to catch a close- up view of Africa’s finest talents has arguably been one of the most palpable benefits of this. Replica shirts emblazoned with names like Drogba, Adebayor, Toure and Diouf are as common as those bearing names like Kanu and Babayaro be- fore them. Their impact on the pitch has elevated to the stands, raising the profiles of their mother countries and the youngsters living there, aspiring to one day follow in their footsteps.“It’s an honour to be involved in such a prestigious event and to applaud this African influence. The game is greater for it and may it continue for generations to come.

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Welcome to the maiden edition of the Best of Africa Awards (BoA 20XI).Horizon is a private initiative that seeks to engender and accompany a dynamic re-appraisal of “Brand Africa” and to that end, founded the Best of Africa Awards [BoA 20XI].The focus on football in this maiden edition is informed by the collective appreciation of the influence our football heroes have in today’s world. A young girl in Camden or a young man in Accra is more than likely to say “Didier Drogba” if asked to name a famous Ivorian. These men are in many instances the

prime flag- bearers for their nations and very often continent.Africa, the word and the connotations it inspires are numerous but in the majority tend to carry heavy shades of negativity. Yet, to millions of sons and daughters of this amazing continent, it is home, in spirit and body.The BoA Awards 20XI celebrate the contribution some of Africa’s illustrious sons have made to the Beautiful Game in the UK, but most importantly the unique experience afforded them by their host nation, the United Kingdom.

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From the stadia to the shopping malls, from the manicured parks to the debate-inspiring weather, the players speak in unison to a remarkable welcome and sense of fairness that exists in everyday Britain. This is not to say all is well all the time, however, through this event we seek to acknowledge one sphere in which great strides have been made.The efforts of those who came before the gentlemen who played in the season 2010/11, paved the way for this. The players, too numerous to cite, the Clubs, the Administrative

structures, the Fans, the Media and the everyday people whose continuous work combine to place the UK as destination of choice for many of these professionals. To those who went ahead and all who accompanied the effort, we say thank you.There is more to Africa than football and none know more of this than the very men we celebrate today. However, we believe through football, we may begin to appreciate the multi- facetted and multi-talented “being” that is The African.

The Premier League is a global brand watched by millions every week. It is a great success story for this country and we are lucky to be able to watch some of the best football talent the world has to offer right on our door step. A lot of that success is down to the diverse mix of cultures and the wealth of sporting ability overseas players bring to our national game which will help in the development of our younger players for generations to come.

The continent that has seen the most progress over the last decade is Africa as proven by the count- less number of African players now plying their trade in Europe’s top leagues and particularly our own. The African Cup of Nations tournament is a global sports event and we will all remember last year’s World Cup in South Africa as a fantastic success – even if it did end in disappointment for England.

I am sorry that I am unable to make this event tonight to mark the enormous contribution Africa players past and present have made to English football. It is something that deserves to be celebrated and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those receiving an award tonight.

Hugh Robertson Minister for Sport and the Olympics

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As an Entrepreneur of African origin, I am truly excited by the opportunity to support an event that encourages a spirit of celebration. I have been privileged to work closely with some of the gentlemen who are in attendance tonight. I am honoured to witness the growth in presence and contribution of the numerous sons of Africa who have added so much quality to the football game here in the UK.

London Motor Museum grew from my dreams and like many of the men in football who carve out careers from dreams the road is seldom punctuated by applause. We, at LMM, believe that the BoA Awards are a welcome introduction to a public space that does not fully tell the story of the Africans in the UK and for that we are happy to support it.

Permit me to seize this opportunity to congratulate all those who have been brave enough to follow a dream, a dream that has carried them to new countries with new food, new weather, new rules of engagement... and new cars! Your different journeys have made you Ambassadors for the millions you leave behind in your home countries. But today, we would all agree, that in the UK we have a nation that day after day proves to be a true home away from home and for that we are all winners.

EloFounder of the London Motor Museum

“The London Motor Museum is proud to support the Best of Africa Awards 20XI.”

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Salomon Kalou has been a client of SGPB Hambros since December 2007 and with this in mind, has written about his experience with the Bank and the wealth management service they provide their sports clients.

I arrived in London to play for Chelsea in 2006, but it wasn’t the first time the city had an influence on my life and career. I always remember it was on a visit to the Arsenal training ground at 16 years old that I realised I really wanted to become a professional footballer. I remember sneaking into the gym and peering through the window at Thierry Henry, watching him doing tricks with the ball. I’d watched him on TV in the 1998 World Cup and then to see him on the other side of the glass, to be so close to him, was a dream. When I signed for Chelsea I thought about that amazing moment.

Another incredible moment had come a year before when I received my first-ever monthly wage packet from the football academy in the Ivory Coast – it was £2.50. It was later doubled to a fiver but it was enough to take my friends back home for meals and drinks. Five pounds was a lot. I was 15. But

these days, I admit my money management needs are a bit more complicated. I initially approached SGPB Hambros to assist with a basic banking service, however over the last 4 years this has developed into a more fully-fledged Private Banking relationship.People are always talking about the money footballers earn and how they spend it. And sure, there’s the worry that when you start earning all this money it can change you, it can make you forget what normal is. I’m

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sure it can drive you a bit crazy. But I think about my family and what they need. The one most important thing about having money is what you can do with it for the ones you love. For example, I bought my mum a house and a car and that’s what makes me happy — she’s made so many sacrifices for us and now I want to take care of her. So it’s things like that which keep me grounded.SGPB Hambros has been able to help me do these things. The relationship with them goes beyond day-to-day banking, or the Visa debit card in Sterling and US dollars, the chequebook and e-banking. It’s a full wealth management service that also caters to the things I really care about like The Kalou Foundation. Playing for Chelsea is like living a dream but most importantly playing for Chelsea permits me to use some of my earnings to fund a charity in my hometown Abidjan in the Ivory Coast. It is an opportunity to do follow a life lesson my parents gave me: “share what you have”.

The Foundation gives charitable support to social welfare, sports and healthcare initiatives and SGPB Hambros were understanding enough to facilitate the opening of an account to receive funds from donations and fund raising. These are the simple poignant things that add immeasurable value to our relationship. Assisting family or the wider community is not an obligation but it’s part of our culture.

Amanda Elkington of SGPB Hambros and Salomon Kalou

It’s how we have been raised and I am proud to do it, I love doing it. I consider it my duty to help those less fortunate. They depend on me and at times it is nice to know even your bank understands that.

My Private Banker is always available to meet; she regularly visits me at my home or at the Chelsea training ground where she is happy to discuss my banking arrangements or some of the peculiarities of my distant and loosely defined concept of family. And it is of even greater pleasure to see that SGBP Hambros supports initiatives like The Best of Africa Awards -an initiative in support of the celebration of the story of the African in modern-day Britain.

Should you wish to find out more please contact Amanda Elkington on 0207 5973410 or at amanda.elkington@sghambros.com. www.privatebanking.societegenerale.com/hambros.com

SG Hambros Bank Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

My earliest memories of football in Africa are playing in the street with no shoes. We are happy to play like this – although we have no choice. When you are just 5 or 6 years old and you play in the street you don’t think about anything else. We play every- day, every morning. Sometimes we’d forget to take a shower because we just wanted to play.

I moved to France when I was 8 years old. At the time I was just happy to move to Europe. It was my first time on a plane and I was excited because as a child I would see the planes in the sky all the time. I felt so lucky to come to France.Life in Africa is much is much different to that in Europe. So when I came I was starting a new life and it went well.

Arrival in LondonWhen I left France for England I was just 17. So the first week was very difficult for me. In the first week I didn’t have any friends so after training I’d just go back to the hotel and the food was different, I didn’t eat a lot, only bread and butter. Because I didn’t know what to order. Every- thing was different. I said to my Mum I wanted to go back to France.

Watching Premier League as a youngster As a young man I watched Arsenal on TV a lot. Thierry Henry, Dennis Berkamp, Pires, Sol Campbell and others. Greats like Jay Okocha! This guy was amazing. With the ball, he could do anything. Sometimes I watch the old games – Bolton v Arsenal and I see him do some things that are impossible. Also

I believe in the BoA Awards and what it represents for the people of Africa. I know it will grow into a very big movement

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Kanu he’s one of the best African players I’ve watched. He’s a very good player. When you see players like this you want to be like them. When they play it makes people love football.

Rigobert SongI started to play because I’d watch him. He’s my idol because all the time I wanted to be just like him. When I played with him in the national team in 2008 against Egypt Iwas on the bench. When I came on I thought to myself I never dreamed I could play with him because I’d watched him all the time when I was young. I said this is unbelievable. This is my dream coming true.He helped me a lot. I’d never played in the national team and when I came in I didn’t know what to do but he helped me every single day. Up to present when I want to do something I try to talk to him first. He’s got a lot of experience and always tries to help me.

Africans and the Premiership

Dickson Etuhu at Fulham is a good friend of mine, a brother. I speak with him all of the time. He’s a very nice guy. He is like a brother. In Africa we say everyone is a brother. In Africa when you know someone you say that’s your

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brother. If I saw Essien or Drogba it’s the same. It’s not just because we are Cameroonian we are still like brothers. It’s something special in Africa. You feel like you are home if you see other African players and I think that’s very good.

BoA AwardsI think this initiative is very good. A great thing to do. We are African players trying to give our best and I think it’s a very good idea because sometimes we think in Africa we don’t have very good organisation.But when we have people to help us with our ideas I think it’s very good. I think that’s the new start. This first one will be very good for African players and especially those who want to know us better. Something like this is good because some people just watch the players but this can open people’s eyes to Africa’s story.8

BoA Awards Some of my family and friends will be there. I have a lot of friends in English football – Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou– I wish them the best of luck. I’m happy when they’re scoring goals. I’m always happy when they’re scoring goals and performing very well. For me I would say the best player will win it and while unfortunately I cannot be there – I will be there with them in spirit.

If you are a footballer you always want to be part of history. I’ve very glad to be one of the successful black African players in the Premier League. I have done quite well with Arsenal and Manchester City. I’m very lucky to have had a chance to have played in England. Today England is my home. I love the league, I love the atmosphere around the games – when or if I get a chance to return to the Premier League I will with pleasure.

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Things like the BoA show we can do things together. Britain is great and we Africans feel a part of it.

Africa As soon as I get two or three days off I always go because my childhood is there and my blood. Africa has grown. Before I came into football we had some players like Abidi Pele, George Weah and Kuffour. But little by little we’ve grown. Now we have Drogba, Essien, Kalou – a lot of names, which is very good. I’m very happy because a lot of African footballers don’t only focus on football. We also focus on something else – that is charity.We all know what is happening at the moment in Africa – in Egypt, Libya. Morroco, Ivory Coast. You can see Kanu is organising a charity game. Essien is doing the same. I’ll be doing the same, Drogba is doing the same.

It’s a good thing that we remember our continent and we want to give something back. Africa is a poor continent – although some of it is very rich. So we as footballers have the name and are making the money so where we can help we always do with pleasure and that makes us more happy than playing on the football pitch. We can ask football to do more. So we have to do something. We have to meet with each other and discuss what we can ask the Premier League to do for our continent. If we put something down together into a proposal then I think the Premier League may take notice. People know our background. They’ve been to Africa and seen how it is. So if we can do something

The BeginingI started like everyone in Africa. The first thing is to start to play two v two in the house, then three v three on the road and after that it’s seven v seven on the football pitch then we move onto eleven v eleven. So I started like all African children. It all took off for me when I went to a football tournament for Togo under 15s in Gothenburg in Sweden. We got to the final and my life changed. I got a chance to go for trials in France with Metz and everything went well for me. I was supposed to do a three week trial, but after one week they signed me. From there I kept focus and I told myself to be a football I’d have to make some sacrifices to get to where I wanted to go.

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professionally and together then I think it will be good.

Very soon Michael Essien is taking some of the Premier League’s biggest stars to Africa for a match. People from Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast will come to the match. People will have maybe their only chance to meet John Terry or Lampard. It

will be their first and maybe only time – so it’s going to be something big. Michael Essien is giving hope to African people and that’s why when he asked me if I could support it – I told him straight away. Yes.

London and the UKIt is fantastic. When I arrived the first player I met was Thierry Henry. He told me – this is the most fantastic town ever! The weather is not that great but trust me the food, the atmosphere, the pubs, the restaurant... everything is great. So the first week I was young and went out everywhere!! But after that I told myself to calm down and focused

more on my football. London is a fantastic place to be and after my career I would love to live in London. The African community in London is strong. Everything you want from Africa – you get it in London. You’ve got African food, restaurants. You go to Camden town and you’ve got everything you want – Nigerian restaurants etc. The only thing that

told me I was not at home was the weather. London accommodates cultures and that is special. It’s great.

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By Soriebah Kajue

The Senegalese contingent was at its helm a man of unquestionable talent but to say he is controversial might be an understatement. AT FIRST glance you could probably be forgiven for mistaking a blinged out El-Hadji Diouf for a bonafide American Hip-Hop star.Yet, underneath all that remains one of Senegal’s greatest footballing exports.Diouf spearheaded the arrival of Senegalese players into the Premier League when he was brought to Liverpool for £10 million by Gerard Houllier from Lens after an impressive display in the 2002 World Cup. He has subsequently played for Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and Blackburn in the Premier League and in January secured a move to Glasgow Rangers where he helped them claim a League and Cup

double, to add to the Worthington Cup he won in 2003 with Liverpool.The double African Footballer of the Year was joined on England by the likes of Khalilou Fadiga, Amdy Faye, Abdoulaye Faye, Henri Camara, Diomansy Kamara, Salif Daio and Papa Bouba Diop but to name a few. These players were fine additions to the EPL and played telling parts in the stories of their various clubs.Papa Bouba Diop during his three years with Fulham earned the nickname “the wardrobe” due to his sheer size. He went on to be part of Portsmouth’s renaissance under Harry Redknapp and played an integral part in their 2008 FA Cup triumph.Others like Khalilou Fadiga overcame heart problems to enjoy a three-year stint in England. Doctors had warned him to retire, but his courage matched his refined skills that allowed him to play firstly with Bolton, and then Derby and Coventry.

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Another generation, led by the likes of Manchester United player Mame Diouf, currently on loan at Blackburn, Momo Diame of Wigan and Demba Ba of West Ham is writing another chapter of an already lengthy book, a story that will forever be linked to Britain.

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Let me kick off by saying how privileged I am to be supporting the first Best of Africa Awards. When I started my football career at Crystal Palace back in 1986, I was one of very few black players in the professional game. Back then, racism in English football was of wide- spread concern and I won’t lie, it was a difficult environment in which to build a career.Nowadays, around 30 per cent of players at Premier League and Football League level are black, with a large influx of African footballers contributing heavily to that figure. During my playing career, I was lucky enough to line-up alongside - and compete against - some of the finest players Africa has produced.Mark Fish, Talal El Karkouri and Shaun Bartlett were all team-mates of mine at Charlton Athletic, helping the club to become an established top-flight side. Lucas Radebe, Jay- Jay Okocha, Kanu, Rigobert Song,

Geremi, and Mustapha Hadji are just some from a long list of talented African players I faced. As my career entered its latter stages, my thoughts turned from playing to management. I looked at the types of Jean Tigana for inspira- tion. The symbolism of one of the Premier League’s first black facesin the dugout helped shape some of my future plans. And, after spend- ing so many joyous years at Charlton Athletic as a player, I’m now back at The Valley as manager.I didn’t let the under-representation of ethnic minorities at management level dissuade me from pursuing my goal. And, my message to any of you wishing to make the same transition is simple. You have the skills. You possess the experience. If the drive is there too, there’s no reason you can’t achieve it.In the meantime, have a wonderful evening.

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Nowadays, around 30 per cent of players at Premier League and Football League level are black, with a large influx of African footballers contributing heavily to that figure.

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“The year 2010 has been one of the highlights of my life. To have received the Freedom of the City of London at the close of it was just amazing. Being acknowledged in that way was unbelievable, I cannot really explain how excited I was.”“A lot of people played a huge role in helping me get recognised and I have to say thank you to everyone of them for that. It meant a great deal to me, my family and I am sure to South Africans.“Most of my achievements have been so big and at a young age, and it’s quite a privilege, to be given the same award as the esteemed Nelson Mandela.” The Bafana Bafana captain embodies the term role model for many people and young kids alike. He leads by example, having set up the Aaron Mokoena Foundation.It uses the power of football to de- liver a range of programmes focused on developing the health and well- being of young people.The ultimate highlight of 2010 was of course when his homeland hosted a very successful 2010 World Cup.“My World Cup was exciting, very ex- citing. It has always been my dream

to play in the World Cup, but being the captain of the host nation was beyond exhilaration really.It was a great challenge and experience.“The World Cup showed a positive image of South Africa that many people did not know; that was defi- nitely achieved. Being part of that legacy, was amazing.”Away from football, Mokoena’s

hunger for life is infectious. “I am greedy! I just want to put everything I can on the plate. I want options, to do as much with my life as I possibly can.”So it came as no surprise to hear that he has also managed to carve out time to become a student. The Portsmouth no.4 is currently in his first year at Portsmouth University, studying Sports Business Management.

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By Rodney Hinds

A STATUE of pioneering footballer Arthur Wharton has been commissioned following the £20,000 donation from the Football Association.Wharton, considered to be the world’s first black professional footballers, played for Darlington and is a hero in the north east having played for the club in 1885.Ghana-born Wharton, whose other claim to fame was running the 100 yards in a world record-breaking 10 seconds in 1886, also played with distinction for Rotherham United, Preston North End and Sheffield United.The statue will be designed so that it can be dismantled and erected anywhere in the country.

High profile supporters of the Arthur Wharton Foundation include legendary singer Stevie Wonder who unveiled a bronze maquette at the NEC Birmingham in 2008.Shaun Campbell, founder and chair- man of Foundation, said: “The statue will be a fabulous testament for the contributions that black players have made. The statue will be a fitting symbol.“For me it is heart-rendering that there are no statues of black footballers anywhere in the country. I’m just pleased, that at last, the community will have what it deserves.”Campbell added that crucial support for the statue has come from UEFA president Michel Platini and his senior adviser William Gaillard.

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MOST AFRICAN football stars started life from humble beginnings in rather difficult backgrounds.However, their economic and social status went through jet-speed transformation and many began to live opulent lifestyles in Europe, for- getting where they started from. African players are under no obligation to give back to society what they have earned legitimately, but making a contribution can be considered a part of their social responsibilities. While some show off their material gains through conspicuous consumption, for example by the wearing of wrist-watches valued at prices that can put up a school block in rural areas, others - a few good ones - despite finding fame and fortune in Europe, have never lost sight of those they left behind in hardship.

Michael Essien (Ghana)The midfield general is robust on the pitch but he has a soft spot for the less fortunate in society. He has set

up the Michael Essien Foundationto raise funds to give the under- privileged of his home town access to basic amenities like healthcare equipment, libraries, public toilets and clean drinking water. He is also involved in several charity initiatives including the ‘Reading Goals’ to inculcate reading habits in students.

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)The shots from the Ivorian striker might be hot to many goalkeepers, but for the masses back home and throughout Africa they bring a lot of joy. He is an epitome of peace in his west African country. He is a demi-god to many. Drogba has promised to donate all his endorsement earnings to charity. The Dider Drogba Foundation is involved in the building of a hospital and orphanage in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan. Aaron Mokoena (South Africa)The South African captain is known for his human qualities above his football skills, and has done a great deal for various charities

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and foundations, as well as setting up his own foundation, the Aaron Mokoena Foundation. He is also one of the major personalities involved with the 1Goal initiative, and is often seen giving his time to those less fortunate, and children in particular.

Mohamed Aboutrika (Egypt)The Al-Ahly striker has participated in several charities and humanitar- ian work. He joined UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors plus 40 international football stars in 2005 for a ‘Match Against Poverty’ in Germany to raise funds. He volunteered to appear in a World Food Programme 30-second public service announcement in which he drew attention to the tragic fact that 25,000 people die from

hunger every day, 18,000 of them children. He is a WFP Ambassador Against Hunger. He has appeared in some PSAs for free for a worthy cause back home in Egypt.John Pantsil (Ghana)The Black Stars defender has just set up the Pantsil Peace Kids Project geared towards promoting the interest of children. The Foundation is to inculcate the values of respect and guide young children towards the path of success. It would hold football clinics to impart these values in the children. The Fulham defender donated $20,000 (£13,090) for a football competition in his hometown Berekum.Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)As one of the most decorated 22

African footballers, the Nigerian icon is arguably almost as famous for his philanthropic work. He has the Kanu Heart Foundation. Inspired by his own brush with death due to a heart defect, the striker - who is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF- has arranged for over 1,000 children to travel abroad for life-saving surgery.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto(Cameroon)The unique Cameroon defender was appointed United Nations Cham- pion for the Millennium Campaign and supports programmes like the London Evening Standard’s Disspossed Fund. His passion and commitment to plight of young people particularly within the sector of education has seen him invest time and resources in a selection of community platforms. Most recently, Benoit was impressed by the volume and depth of valuable work carried out by the Department for International Development

{DfID], he re- marked “It remains a surprise to me that so much good work is done by so many people and yet sometimes most of what we hear about is just the negative. But that must not stop us from trying to do our bit... it may not be sexy, it may not be cool, but it is important that we help those less fortunate than us.” 23

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The BoA Awards are interesting because its not about football but about footballers and what they represent. I think we as players have a part to play off the field in the UK and in Africa.BAE

By Soriebah Kajue

It is perhaps slightly unfair on his countrymen to just single out Didier Drogba for unreserved praise for his contribution to the ascent of Ivorian football in England.But he is without doubt the reference point for the Ivory Coast national team where he leads from the front with his rich flow of goals and inspiring personality.However he is as gracious, as he is talented, to acknowledge the role played by players such as the Toure brothers, Solomon Kalou, Emmanuel Eboe, Didier Zokora, Aruna Dindane and others in putting their country on the football map.Indeed, his influence is not just restricted to his national team, but also to Chelsea. Just ask John Terry and Frank Lampard about him and they gush with praise.

In the sporting melting pot that foot- ball has now become, Drogba has become at icon Chelsea and he has continued the journey of acceptance

started by Paul Canoville – there first black player - in the 80s.Yet, through all this, he maintains a sense of his roots with his philan- thropic acts in his homeland and he appears to be the link between the African and English enclave of play- ers at Stamford Bridge, thus creat- ing a more cohesive group.His constellation of individual and team honours are testament to his talent but it is his unique ability to transcend football both in England and Africa that make him such a special player.

At club and international level, Drogba has been willingly assisted by Kalou. His older brother Bonaven- ture – a former Ivory Coast captain – also played in Europe, notably with Auxerre and Feyenoord. Kalou, though, has created a ca- reer for himself in his own right and perhaps the highest praise you can bestow on him, is that while Joe Cole Cole,

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Arjen Robben and Damien Duff have all been discarded by Chelsea, he still remains their principal wingwizard. His fleet-footed style is joy to watch and he can produce that bit of magic that is synonymous with all top wide players. Amongst the players at club level, he too is immensely popular and after considering whether or not to play for Holland, where he spent some years as a youngster, he has opted to represent Ivory Coast.

It is rare to have brothers that both ply their trade at the exalted levels of football. The Charlton and Neville brothers instantly spring to mind. As do the De Boers twins, now you can to that list Kolo and Yaya Toure. Kolo came to prominence after Arsene Wenger had signed him in 2002 as callow recruit from ASEC Mimosas, an Ivorian team which has produced the backbone of the national team from its splendid academy. Just two years later he became a club legend as he formed a near impenetrable partnership with Sol Campbell as the Gunners went

through the season unbeaten. At Arsenal, he game was refined as he gained respect not only for his tenacity but also for his commitment to his faith as a devout Muslim during Ramadan. Many wondered how he managed to perform with so little intake. In 2009 he joined Manchester City for £16 million in what was a remarkable piece of business for Arsenal who had signed him for just £150,000 and at Eastlands he quickly became one of the team’s commanding voices. The following season Yaya joined from Barcelona. At Barca he was mainly deployed as a defensive mid- fielder but under Roberto Mancini his attacking instincts have been unleashed to propel City to Champions League football. A special mention has to go Cheik Tiote who in his maiden campaign at Newcastle has emerged as a mid- fielder of abrasive excellence, ensuring the Ivorian influence spreads through the Premier League.

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The first time I met Emmanuel Adebayor will live with me forever. I was the first English journalist to be invited to his house.I rang the bell on the gates outside his Madrid mansion and was escorted to the back garden where the Togo legend was having a kick-about with his friends.

“Please join in, Cliff,” he said. And for the next hour or so we played football. Together. It was surreal.Here I was, a very average Sunday League player at best, pinging passes with a Real Madrid superstar. The beautiful game has the power to break down all barriers.Social barriers. Language barriers. Racial barriers. But this was different. This was a simple act of kindness to make an outsider feel at ease. Adebayor was branded a trouble- maker at Arsenal and an outcast at Manchester City.

But this is a man who has been

paying thousands each month to care for his crippled international team- mate Kodjovi Obilale, shot by terror- ists in the atrocious attack on the Togo team bus at the African Cup of Nations.

This a man who has given refuge to families fleeing the brutal conflict in the Ivory Coast. And a man who has promised to hand over his own home in Togo to up to 100 orphans. He

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epitomises the Best Of Africa. But he is not alone.

I have had the privilege of interview- ing other African footballers: Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Sebastien Bassong, E-Hadj Diouf, Dickson Etuhu, Salomon Kalou, John Obi Mikel, Kolo Toure and Alex Song. And they are all carved from the same rock.People who are helping others less fortunate than themselves. People who think of others before them- selves. People who deserve to be recognised for their unselfish actions.

And whether they were born in Togo, Cameroon, Nigeria, or the Ivory Coast, they are all proud to be Afri- cans. They are also proud to play football in England, where they have enlightened the Premier League this sea- son with their unquestioned skill. Adebayor told me he regards England as home; Etuhu, Diouf, Song

and Assou-Ekotto the same. So it is fitting that tonight’s inaugural Best Of Africa awards are being held here in London. It is a night for all of us to celebrate African football achievements. And if anyone wants a kick-about outside afterwards just be careful of the road!

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We come from a continent that has more than its fair share of negative news. We know that as players we carry the dreams of many so we must respect the privilege.

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