Drogba is the king of Africa football

Accra, March 1, GNA – Ivorian and Chelsea International star Didier Drogba has been crowned the new king of Africa football.
    Drogba beat last year's winner Samuel Eto'e Fils and his Chelsea pal, Michael Essien to second and third place respectively at the 2006 Glo-CAF award ceremony held in Accra, Ghana on Thursday, March 1.
     His success comes four days after he scored twice for Chelsea to help them beat Arsenal in the Carling Cup final.
     He polled 79 votes in the poll of Africa's 53 national team coaches, ahead of Eto'o with 74 and Essien's 36.
     Drogba, 28, and leading scorer in the English Premiership, who dedicated the award to his family, rules Africa for the next year.
     Dressed like a typical Ivorian King, the flamboyant player gorgeously climbed the podium, waved to the chanting crowd before receiving the award from President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana recipient of the Platinum Award, with Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Issa Hayatou providing assistance.    
     The Ivorian star said he felt humbled with the honour done him insisting "for me, joining great players like Abedi Pele, George Weah, Eto'o and others is the best thing any player can wish for".
   Drogba said "I was always hopeful about my chances because I had a brilliant time last year".
   The Chelsea hit-man was buoyant this year could be another fantastic one for him judging from how things are moving.
     He is completely looking forward to another thrilling performance when 15 best teams on the continent join Ghana for the next African Cup of Nations in 2008.
     Drogba's Elephants could, however, not match the shine of Ghana's Black Stars in the Team of the Year category.
     The Stars who were the flagship of Africa in their maiden Mundial appearance in Germany last year, shred off challenge from the Ivorians and Pharaohs of Egypt to give the partisan crowd a reason to smile.         
     Other winners on the night included Abou Treka Mohamed (Ahly,Egypt) - Inter-Club Player of the Year, Al Ahly (Egypt)- Club of the Year, Taiwo Taye  (Nigeria,  Olympique de Marseille)- Young player of the Year.
     Super Falcons' Cynthia Uwak won the Women Footballer of the Year, with Manuel José (El Ahly, Egypt) wining the Coach of the Year. George Weah won the Legend Award, whilst Dr Mike Ademuga, Chairman of Telecommunications giants Globacom received the CAF Order of Merit Award, Gold Division.
01 March 07