Sports News of Sunday, 25 December 2011

Source: Ghanasoccernet

Abedi Pele: Dede must continue to fight despite award miss

Ghana legend Abedi Pele says his son Andre Ayew must continue fight to win the Caf African Player of Year award after missing out on this year’s top prize.

Ayew, who plays for Marseille was highly tipped for the gong having scooped the BBC’s version one week earlier.

The midfielder wish to crown his hard work this year with a double failed to materialize after Yaya Toure of Manchester City finished top.

Ayew placed third at the prestigious Glo CAF Awards held in Accra leaving many Ghanaians who tipped Dede to carry the day left the Banquet Hall disappointed.

However, Abedi Pele, three-time winner of the award believes the youngster has promising future and would soon be crowned the continent’s best.

“He has started pretty well. He is a strong person and the future looks very bright for him,” Abedi Pele said.

“What he needs now is to focus, and if the time comes, he would be recognized,”he added.

Dede admitted in a post-event press conference that he was disappointed, saying, ‘That is the dream of every African player because it is the ultimate. They are older than I am; they deserve it, but I will fight harder to get there.’

On his part, Yaya Toure revealed that he least expected to reign supreme, taking into account Barcelona Seydou Keita’s impressive achievements in terms of silverware (Champions League, La Liga and Inter Club World Cup).