Feb 02 2008
Sevilla’s Kanoute Named African Footballer Of The Year
Sevilla’s main goaling source, and their most important striker, Frederic Kanoute who helped the team to lift up UEFA Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, was named as African Footballer Of The Year. The confirmation was made by Confederation of African Football (CAF) yesterday. This major award is voted for by the 53 national coaches of the CAF nations which Chelsea’s Didier Drogba won the title last year and Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o winning 3 times in a row before Drogba. His terrific performances in Sevilla’s essential matches created him more chances to win this pride. In addition, he also helped Mali to qualified for Afican CUp of Nation 2008 whom they’ve just lost 4 days ago to Ivory Coast led by Didier Dorgba.
This is a great honour to Mali and Kanoute because there hasn’t been any winner from Mali for African Footballer of The year since Salif Keita achieve the precious award in 1970. Kanoute was born in France and he is the 1st European player to pick this award up in the football history. Kanoute beat the previous winner of the award, Drogba as well as his Ghana teammate, Michael Essien. Besides, he also beat Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor and Real Madrid’s Mahamadou Diarra from Mali.
Upon receiving the award, Kanoute said: “I dedicate this to my family, who could not be here and to the people of Mali.
“I believe that sport can be used as a tool for development in Africa.”
Lets take a look at Kanoute’s profile.
Frederic Kanoute
Full Name: Frédéric Kanouté
Date of Birth: September 2, 1977
Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France
Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 31⁄2 in)
Playing Position: Striker
Current Club: Sevilla FC
Number: 12
Years Club Appearance (goals)
1997-2000 Lyon 40 (9)
2000 West Ham United (loan) 27 (1)
2000-2003 West Ham United 76 (27)
2003-2005 Tottenham Hotspurs 60 (14)
2005- Sevilla 79 (35)
2004-