By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a significant step towards fostering unity and development in African football, former Togolese international, Emmanuel Adebayor; and ex-Burkina Faso captain Charles Kabore, now the country’s Sports Ambassador, met with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to discuss strategies for advancing the sport across the continent.
The meeting, held March 24, 2025, was a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to unite African nations through sport and build a stronger football community in the region.
The two football legends were received by President Traoré, who has been a strong advocate for the power of sports to drive youth empowerment and national unity.
During the meeting, Kabore, who is deeply involved in promoting sports development in Burkina Faso, praised President Traoré’s vision of using football as a platform to connect young people and inspire future generations. He commended the president for his commitment to regional cooperation, particularly in harnessing football’s potential to foster peace and collaboration across Africa.
“Adebayor’s success and experience in international football serves as a major source of inspiration for the youth of Africa. His achievements on the global stage demonstrate what is possible with hard work, dedication, and unity,” Kabore remarked, highlighting the importance of such figures in motivating the next generation of footballers.
Adebayor, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest football talents, spoke passionately about his admiration for President Traoré’s leadership and vision for sports in Africa. “I am impressed by the way President Traoré is using his position to bring about positive change for young Africans, and I am eager to contribute to this mission,” said Adebayor.
The former striker, who enjoyed a successful career in top European clubs and the Togolese national team, pledged to collaborate with other football legends and internationals to enhance the development of football across Africa, particularly focusing on nurturing young talent and improving infrastructure for the sport.
President Traoré, in turn, expressed Burkina Faso’s full support for Adebayor and Kabore’s initiatives, underscoring the role of football in fostering regional unity and economic growth. He emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach to sports development and the need for a collective effort to enhance the continent’s football scene. “We believe in the power of football to unite nations, and Burkina Faso is committed to working with our partners to support these efforts,” President Traoré stated.
The meeting also touched on the importance of strengthening football infrastructure, creating youth development programs, and providing greater opportunities for young Africans to pursue careers in the sport.
With both Adebayor and Kabore’s deep ties to African football, the collaboration has the potential to create significant strides in improving the sport’s landscape in the region.
As African football continues to grow, the combined efforts of former stars like Adebayor and Kabore, alongside the support of visionary leaders like President Traoré, are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of football across the continent.
