Former South Africa player Mark Fish believes football could see the first African World champion come the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Fish spoke to Rwanda's 'the New Times' Sports exclusively on Monday and said that it's possible for an African team to win the World Cup on African soil.
"I think we have got the best players in the best teams in Europe and if these players perform as they do in their respective clubs, it will be our chance to win the World Cup.
"I think the weather could be a big factor because the tournament will be played during winter period in South Africa.
"Fans also do make a big difference. South Africans will not only be behind Bafana Bafana, but they will be behind any African team as well," Fish said.
Fish was part of the Bafana Bafana (South African) team that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations on home soil.
He played a total of 62 international matches for South Africa and was part of the squad that played at the FIFA World Cup at France 98.
He has played for Jomo Cosmos and was in the Orlando Pirates team that won the CAF Champions League in 1995. He has also played for Lazio in Serie A and for Charlton Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and Ipswich Town in England.
Fish is an ambassador for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is promoting football in South Africa, promoting football in Africa and promoting the World Cup as well.
The Soccer legend is in East Africa promoting the Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.
MY POV: I'm of the opinion it'll be a few years before an African squad can win the World Cup. The optimism is wonderful. But reality will set in once the games start.
Either way, the 2010 Cup will go a long way toward getting an African squad to win the grand prize some day in the future.
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