Ivory Coast has the potential to win the soccer World Cup – Caf president Motsepe

Ivory Coast has the potential to win the World Cup – Caf

JOHANNESBURG, May 5 (ANA) – Fifa president Patrice Motsepe believes Ivory Coast is capable of winning the soccer World Cup, he said in a visit to the West African nation on Tuesday.

Motsepe said at a meeting in Abidjan: “Ivory Coast is one of the greatest countries when it comes to football. I am proud that this country has not only produced great players for the nation but also for the world.

“This is what makes us proud. Ivory Coast needs to bring together all the talents that exist here. Several countries in Africa have the potential to win the World Cup and Ivory Coast is one of them.”

Motsepe was joined at the meeting by Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa) president Gianni Infantino.

Motsepe said the people of Ivory Coast would need peace in the country in order to achieve great heights on the football pitch.

“For that, we must be together. I have learned that there are three parties in conflict. I rather think that we must put all the forces together. Unity in football is important.”

Motsepe also said he was looking forward to Cameroon successfully hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“You must show us the way and we will follow you. We will come back in 2023 for the Afcon. Ivory Coast will be the host country of the biggest competition in Africa.”

Motsepe and Inantino also met with Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara later on Tuesday. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman