Mourinho doesn’t believe Africa can do it. Can Ghana?

While all of Africa is in agreement that its first World Cup is good for the game on the continent, it is divided as to what advantage can be made of the hosting.

Those who don’t believe that no African nation can win the World Cup are not alone. Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, though he has warm words of the African game does not feel that this is Africa’s time as yet.

“I see a good future for Africa and it is good because next year the World Cup is in Africa and I hope African teams will do something special at the World Cup.”

Yes, we know that. The former Porto and Chelsea man went on and stopped short of patronizing the continent.

“Maybe not win it, but they can do very well, because there are some really good players in Africa.”

As it is now in the World Cup qualifiers, Ghana are in a very attractive position and many in the country have already started dreaming of booked tickets for the showpiece.

The feeling is that after what was a good Germany 2006 for Ghana, South Africa 2010 may yet be better. Germany 2006 saw Ghana beating the USA and Czech Republic, as well as being beaten by Italy and Brazil, so that was seen as a respectable performance.

With the current crop of new players in the team setup in addition to the experienced guys, this may be the year that Ghana – and other African nations – make it a tournament to remember.

Maybe – just maybe – Ghana and Africa would make Mr. Mourinho eat his words.