'It is not like the African tournament has snuck up on anyone' (From Your Local Guardian)

'It is not like the African tournament has snuck up on anyone'

4:49pm Thursday 24th January 2008

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Ah, the African Nations Cup. A biennial spectacle of outrageous skills, mind-boggling athleticism, naive defending and colourful fans.

While I am on the clichés, how about that old chestnut about clubs being robbed of key players at a crucial time of the season?

Boo-bloody-hoo. They haven't got a leg to stand on.

It is probably easy for me to say this as a Manchester United supporter - Sir Alex is unaffected by the month-long tournament, with Angola's Manuco Goncalves (who?) his only squad member involved.

Possible implications of the tournament even reach Brentford. Saturday's postponement at Accrington meant Andy Scott's men missed a chance to beat a Stanley defence missing Benin star' Romuald Boco.

Depending on when the fixture is rescheduled for, the Lancashire team could have their international man back when the Bees come calling.

With both sides in mid-table, this is unlikely to prove pivotal in either's end-of-season fortunes. But, quite frankly, tough luck if it did.

For years, Africa has been a rich source of quality players at bargain-basement prices.

Ivory Coast centre-half Kolo Toure, lynchpin of Arsenal's defence, was sorely missed as Tottenham were banging in the goals in Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final, yet cost Arsene Wenger considerably less than half a million pounds.

Compare that with the £6million West Ham paid last January for Matthew Upson, a player whose England hopes appear more remote every time he limps off the pitch with yet another injury.

Or Rio Ferdinand, for whom Manchester United paid £30million when they nabbed him from Leeds in 2002.

Sully Muntari, who lit up the tournament opener between Ghana and Guinea on Sunday with a stunning Steven Gerrard-esque winner, cost Portsmouth £7million. What would Stevie G would be worth on the transfer market?

It is not like the African tournament has snuck up on anyone.

Buy a quality player from that continent and surely even the most short-sighted manager must realise that, every two years, there is a chance he might lose him in January.

Despite FIFA president Sepp Blatter's cheap attempt to placate Europe by declaring the African Nations Cup must move to summer, the Confederation of African Football insist it will continue to be held in January.

Bless those outrageously skilful, athletic, naïve, colourful Africans - they have my support all the way.