When the Confederation of African Football announced that Angola would still be hosting the continent’s greatest soccer fiesta, I thought that was a very prudent decision. Much pressure had been on the CAF to shift the African Nations Cup to South Africa as an appetiser for the World Cup in the ‘rainbow nation’ next summer. But come January, all roads will lead to the cities of Luanda, Cabinda, Benguela, and Lubango for the 27th African Cup of Nations.
So how prepared will the host county be? Being the first Portuguese-speaking country to host such a big event, Angola has a great opportunity to shine. Since the end of its bitter 27-year civil war, the country’s 18.5 million citizens haven’t hesitated in the joint effort to rebuild their nation.
This rise from the ashes has of course been helped by the country’s abundant resources of oil and diamonds. But timber, coffee, fish and other minerals have also added to a steady revenue stream for Angola’s exchequer. And despite the global economic downturn, reconstruction and rehabilitation has been progressing, especially in the cities set to host soccer fans from around the world.
Prior to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Angolan national team – also known as Palancas Negras – the world to qualify from a tough group that included Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Ever since, their mad love for the game has spurred Angolans to hasten their preparations for hosting a successful Nations Cup.
President Eduardo dos Santos summed it up in his message: “The Angolan nation will prove itself as capable to face this challenge by carrying out an exemplary Nations Cup in all its aspects.”
With its growing hospitality industry, Angola is a gateway to a scintillating view of the African continent and its sprawling habitat. And Angolan music and food, too, are serious attractions for new visitors in town.
Influences from Portugal and Brazil have had a great impact, and delicacies like calulu (dried fish or meat layered with fresh fish or meat, onion, tomatoes, okra and sweet potato leaves), chicken muamba (seasoned with palm oil hash), mufete de cacuso (fish seasoned with pepper and lemon) and farofa (cooked manioc flour) will surely delight any palate.
Angola’s nightlife is even greater, with many clubs, cafés, bars and Irish pubs to choose from, especially in Luanda, Porto Amboin, Benguela, Huambo and Malanje.
As we look forward to a great example of African hospitality from Angola, the world can put its troubles at bay and watch the cream of the continent’s soccer stars in action. But even here seasoned soccer fans and scouts will definitely be in for a surprise, because those considered greenhorns are out to prove the pundits wrong.
Indeed, all soccer lovers should brace up for the entertainment and sporting artistry of their lives come 2010, as the continent of Africa welcomes the world with open arms.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria and writes weekly for Metro Éireann. Visit his website at www.olumouka.com
