Former World Cup winner Marcel Desailly backs Africa in upcoming tournament

French football legend and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly says African nations are shaping up strongly ahead of this year’s tournament.

Speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa at the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in Johannesburg, the football icon says teams will need to prepare well and put their best players forward.

He added that experience will be a key factor in navigating the pressures of the tournament.

“The World Cup is something very special. You might qualify, but in the round of 16, into the quarter finals and semifinals, you need to be able to absorb the adrenaline, the acidity that comes out of your body on reaching that level of the competition, to be able to continue to perform.

“African teams will need to have a strong squad, two to three top players who are first choice in Europe in the system, and you need to have a couple of players who are also first choice in their other clubs to be able to handle the pressure of the competition,” he said.

Desailly highlighted the historic qualification of nine African nationals under the new 48-team format.

Africa's contingent includes Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa

Morocco achieved the highest finish at the 2022 World Cup, reaching the semifinals and finishing fourth.

“Any African team can perform and be the team that leads for a World Cup final.

We believe that FIFA has really opened up to the African continent for them to be able to raise their flag,” he said.

For South Africa, Desailly emphasised the importance of preparation and getting a strong start to the tournament to build momentum.

Bafana Bafana will kick off their World Cup campaign in the opening match of the tournament against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June.

“They will need to prepare well to be effective straight away, from the beginning."

To listen to Desailly in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, use the audio player below: