DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICAN football legend Didier Drogba has urged Tanzanians to use the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to attract investment, promote tourism and create jobs for young people beyond the football pitch.
The former Chelsea player made the statement immediately upon his arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on Friday, ahead of the continental tournament, stating that football competitions offer employment opportunities in areas such as pitch maintenance, equipment care and other support services often overlooked by the public.
“People always tend to think that football means you have to be a football player or a manager. No, there are a lot of roles around football,” he said.
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Drawing on his experience at Chelsea, the former Ivory Coast international cited groundskeeping as an example of how football can create jobs and transfer skills to young people.
He recalled how the head groundsman at the English club employed five or six young people, teaching them how to maintain and care for the playing surface.
“Such opportunities demonstrate how major football competitions can benefit young people through practical training and employment in different areas of the sport. I urge youth to be keen to look into these opportunities and seize them well,” he stated.
Additionally, Drogba also highlighted the importance of private-sector participation, noting that AFCON 2027 will be jointly organised by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, creating opportunities for businesses to contribute to the tournament and benefit from its activities.
The former striker said he hopes to use his international profile to promote Tanzania and the wider African continent, adding that his presence in the country offers an opportunity to draw attention to its potential.
“As a proud African, I think for me to be here is like being at home. Everything I do is to talk about the country, talk about the continent, and right now the highlight will be on Tanzania,” he said.
His remarks come as the three East African nations prepare to host AFCON 2027, with expectations that the tournament will provide a platform to showcase the region, strengthen tourism and open up business opportunities.