Watch Out for African Sides - Abedi

FORMER Ghana star Abedi Pele believes that an African nation could win the World Cup in the near future, as they have finally been able to marry talent and organisation.

Declaring himself and George Weah as the 'inspiration for other African players', Pele believes the amount of experience they are gaining in Europe will eventually help them win the tournament.

Pele, a star with Marseille stated: "George and I never played in a World Cup but our performances with European teams gave inspiration to other African players.

"The flood of African players to Europe has helped lift the standard of African football. Africans no longer have a complex with more and more of their players starring with major clubs in Europe.

"The Africans say they are sometimes better than the Europeans.  They are with them on a daily basis.

"I gave my best to the game of football and after I stopped playing I had nothing left.  I have no regrets about not turning out for Ghana in the World Cup - I enjoyed my time playing football for the national team and in Europe.

Nigerian maestro Jay Jay Okocha (pictured) has recently claimed that the time that African teams had talent but no organisation is over, something Pele agreed with.

"That has changed.  Look how the Senegalese forced the French back in their own half during the World Cup opening match.  That shows we are strong tactically," said Pele.

He added: "We are now getting to the stage where technique will make the difference.  And in Africa the technique is there.  On the mental side of things the players understand that a good match has to be quickly put behind them.  What is important is the one which follows on."