Dessaily Brings Barclays Premier League Trophy

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday November 25, 2013 16:42

Botswana was the second country in Africa after Kenya, which had an opportunity to host the trophy this year. In the past, Botswana had the honour to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy, which at the time was accompanied by another football legend, Ghana's Abedi Pele. Addressing journalists on Friday, Desailly said he was very happy to be in the country. He said the trip afforded him an opportunity to mingle with children and to hold coaching clinics. He said the English Premier League is a very special competition, which has a large following and he is proud to be the one accompanying the trophy in Africa. 'The league has grown tremendously over the years,' he said.

Barclays' Bank Botswana head of marketing and communication, Rachael Mushaike said over 700 million people all over the world watch the English Premier League and it is good they brought the trophy in Botswana for the people to see.

Meanwhile Desailly said he is relieved that France managed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The former world champions nearly failed to qualify and had to stage a great comeback in the second leg of the play-off against Ukraine to book a berth. Desailly said France have quality players but has been a disappointment collectively until the second game against Ukraine where they won 3-0. They had lost the first leg match 2-0. Desaiily said football authorities have to be much more committed to racism than they are at the moment. Desailly suffered racial abuse during his playing career in Italy.