Best of Africa Awards - 29 October 2015
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Best of Africa Awards 29 October 2015 20XV
KEYNOTE - RENÉ CARAYOL Born in Gambia, the son of a diplomat, I was transferred to London many years ago.This has given me the pleasure and privilege of having an African’s heart and a Londoner’s head. I take pleasure in assisting many of the younger Africans who are trying to make their way in business both here in London, and across the continent of my birth. I have spent the last few years working with the leaders of Pan-African businesses, including Barclays Africa,Tiger Brands and Standard Bank. This has led me to travel and work in over 30 African countries and in many respects, to come to the view that talent is no longer the issue for many of the younger generation across Africa. It can still be challenging to excel, so the burgeoning younger generation of the African continent need as many positive role models as they can possibly get. Therefore, the Best of Africa Awards are timely, relevant and welcomed. When I was invited to assist in hosting this event, it meant so much more than enjoying the fabulous night it will obviously be, and rubbing shoulders with some of the most talented and gifted Africans here in London. Also, in tune with proceedings, these awards are being held at the spectacular Africa House, the new home of Mishcon de Reya LLP. The awards have been well thought through. We hope this will be the launch of what will become a regular and essential feature of ‘catching people doing things right’. I had the recent pleasure of interviewing Michael Johnson, the multiple Olympic gold medalist sprinter. We discussed why Jamaica had suddenly become such a prominent force of world class sprinters. He immediately identified the power of local role models. He went on to explain that seeing someone like Usain Bolt achieve so much and generate such positive headlines has inspired younger generations of school children to focus on sprinting as a way forward. We honestly hope that the Best of Africa Awards will have a similar effect, encouraging the aspirational from the African continent. “Man who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt man doing it” - Confucius René Carayol, Broadcaster
MISHCON DE REYA LLP Mishcon de Reya LLP is very pleased to welcome you to Africa House for the Best of Africa 20XV Awards, in association with The A+ Club. Best of Africa 20XV is part of our ‘Africa Season’, a series of events celebrating our commitment, investment and interest in Africa. The other events in this series focus on private equity in Africa, wildlife law and conservation, contemporary African art and the pros and cons of investment and aid. We are proud of our work in the sporting arena, which continues to evolve. We are partnering with Beyond Sport on a three-year series of events that bring together senior leaders from the worlds of sport, business and public affairs to discuss shared value impact and the role leadership plays in driving positive practices through sport and business. Social responsibility is at the heart of Mishcon de Reya LLP’s core values – we understand that lawyers are well positioned to impact society and we use their specific skills and experience to effect positive change through our social impact programme. Tonight is about celebrating the accomplishments of highly successful professional football players and coaches, who not only have exemplary leadership skills, but who acknowledge their responsibility for wider society and heritage by setting up and supporting development projects all over Africa. We hope you enjoy this evening, Saul Sender, Head of Africa Group and Liz Ellen, Head of Sports Group - Mishcon de Reya LLP If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
A+ CLUB
The A+ Club is honoured to welcome you all to the Best of Africa 2015 Awards
Dinner (BoA20XV) in association with Mishcon de Reya LLP.
Launched in 2011, the success of our previous events has been both remarkable
and inspiring and we are keen to thank all those who have and continue to
support the emergence of a more comprehensive appreciation of the modern
African story through sport and the BoA Awards Dinners. We are particularly
keen to thank the players for their immeasurable support for this forum,
permitting us to grow from strength to strength.
Founded to support and celebrate African-owned philanthropic endeavours, the
last four years have seen BoA carry the Africa story, as defined by the efforts
of some of its illustrious sons and daughters in the world of professional sport,
from the shores of Europe to those of the South American continent. We are
very excited by the opportunity this year’s event presents to further celebrate
efforts supporting ethical socio-economic development projects in and for
Africa through Philanthropy and Leadership.
It is a great privilege for us to welcome Mishcon de Reya LLP onboard as
our Host Partner. We look forward to a long-lasting and transformational
association with one of the UK’s leading independent law firms, which
understands the importance of Africa, its UK community and the strategic
relevance of London in an increasingly connected and global business and
private environment. Together, we hope to continue to support the emergence
of a more dynamic and successful Africa.
Amusez vous,
Francis Nkwain - Founder of BoA and A+ Club
He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.SPPT The Sports People’s Think Tank The SPTT is proud to be part of Best of Africa 20XV. As the very first think tank set up by sports people for sports people, we see this event as encapsulating everything we believe in. The organisation was formed to address social, cultural and all other common issues current sports professionals and ex-sports professionals consider important and in need of change. Former Premier League footballers, Jason Roberts MBE, Michael Johnson and Darren Moore, founded the SPTT with myself, a broadcaster and communications consultant. Former footballer, Nathan Talbot, who is now a lawyer, and Olympic bronze medallist, Kelly Sotherton, also play key roles within the think tank. The first project undertaken by the SPTT is addressing the underrepresentation of black and minority ethnic coaches, managers and administrators in professional sports, specifically football. The SPTT has also set up an arm to look at pressing issues across Olympic sports. The main purpose of the SPTT is to affect change. This evening we will rightly celebrate individuals from football who are committed to positive change. Have a wonderful night, Leon Mann – Founding Member A single bracelet does not jingle.
POLARIS
Polaris Media is proud to once again be involved in The Best of Africa Awards.
The awards are always a wonderful reminder how quickly Africa is growing and
changing.
We represent a diverse portfolio of high profile clients across the consumer,
finance and entertainment sectors, but are perhaps best known for our
dominant work in sport. Working with some of the biggest players of African
heritage in Premier League football, we encourage them not to just be the best
person on the pitch but to work hard to grow and evolve as individuals.
This awards dinner allows us to recognise the philanthropic work our clients and
other players have been involved with. As an agency we are actively involved in
the Africa of today, because the opportunities are endless. It’s such an exciting
time for Africa and we are proud to represent such a large range of talented
individuals.
Enjoy your evening,
Justin Rigby – Director
Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs.FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION The Best of Africa Awards provides a unique moment where we reflect on the pivotal role the football fraternity of Africa plays in English football. Our domestic game has continued to welcome contributions from across the globe so that all four professional divisions boast a continental flavour of one description or other. At The Football Association, we work with our partners across the game on a range of inclusion initiatives. In the summer, we honoured South Africa’s Albert Johannesson and the 50th anniversary of him becoming the first black player to play in an FA Cup Final back in 1965. It is very important that we recognise the pioneers of the past and tonight I’m delighted to pay homage to the Africans currently blazing a trail in our modern game. Have a wonderful evening, Heather Rabbatts - Chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has it’s place.
YAYA TOURÉ
Leading the way on and off the pitch
It is great to be here to support Best of Africa 20XV – a celebration of our
wonderful continent and a sport that means so much to Africans.
Lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy this year was a career highlight that
meant so much to me, my family and of course my country. To do this with my
brother, Kolo, was more than a dream. It is at moments like that, you realise just
how much football means to people – how it can bring such joy, happiness and
togetherness.
I have also seen how the power of football can help to bring about positive
change in my roles away from the pitch with the UN Environment Programme,
FIFA and European football’s anti-racism and social inclusion network, FARE.
As prominent footballers we can lend our support and ideas to make a positive
impact on the world. Before I talk publicly about issues, I remind myself that I
have a responsibility to speak for those who are not listened to – the people
who really need our help.
For me, it is vital that where possible footballers become leaders - not only on
the pitch, but off it too. There is a unique opportunity for us to do something
that changes lives. We must not miss this chance.
I hope everyone enjoys the evening and I would like to salute all of my fellow
professionals who join us tonight.
Enjoy the dinner,
Yaya Touré
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Mishcon de Reya LLPPROGRAMME 6:30pm Drinks Reception 7:45pm Welcome by Saul Sender and Liz Ellen, Mishcon de Reya LLP 8:00pm Awards Dinner, hosted by René Carayol 12:00am Carriages The Judging Panel Mishcon de Reya LLP SPTT Polaris Media A+ Club
WINNER PROFILES Philanthropic Endeavour:Youth Engagement Winner: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City FC Vincent Kompany is a Belgian professional player who leads both Manchester City and the Belgian national team. Kompany is listed as one of the 100 best players in the world, ranking currently at number 23. He was also named Belgian young professional footballer of the year in 2004/ 2005. A truly gifted individual, Kompany shines both on the pitch as a world class footballer and off the pitch in his role as international ambassador for SOS Children. SOS children seemed a fitting cause for Kompany with charity work invested in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a place in which Vincent himself has family and heritage. He wanted his involvement to create an impact and make a difference. Since joining the cause, Kompany has invested time with SOS Children visiting villages in need. With over a million followers on social media, he uses his profile to raise awareness of issues that are important to him. A born leader, Kompany inspires millions as a footballer. He founded BX Brussels to help create opportunities for the youth to not only be taught football skills, but also social skills to help them in life. With determination and vision, he has achieved more than most could dream of helping to create a brighter future for the youth of today, to make their dreams a reality.
WINNER PROFILES Philanthropic Endeavour: Leadership Winner: Yaya Touré of Manchester City FC A focused and complex player, Yaya Touré has been a rising star from Africa since he errupted onto the football scene aged18. Voted three times African player of the year, Touré has been touted as one of the most captivating players of the moment thanks to his thrilling and mesmerising style. A natural leader, he has led Manchester City to many wins, most notably in 2011’s FA Cup Final, when he secured victory for Manchester City by scoring the only goal in his side’s 1 – 0 win. On a personal level, Touré is involved in a number of causes and has been announced a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. He also has an invested interest in Africa and has been known to donate to those in need back in Côte d’Ivoire and other countries in West Africa, among his other charitable endeavours.
WINNER PROFILES Philanthropic Endeavour: Community Action Winner: Emmanuel Adebayor of Tottenham Hotspur FC Emmanuel Adebayor set up the SEA Foundation many years ago to bring together his various philanthropic endeavours whilst funding and supporting youth projects in Togo, which have the potential to be used as a blueprint in the rest of Africa. Most refreshingly, the Foundation’s efforts are not just about football but about finding the next generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians and artists. It is about helping young people fulfill their potential whilst encouraging creativity, inspiring innovation and helping communities to build better futures. Programmes like the Community Leadership Workshop developed and delivered in partnership with HOBY demonstrate Adebayor’s commitment to volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, community and partnership. This particular platform enables high-school students to learn the value of being a global citizen and take responsibility in their communities for effecting positive change. For such endeavours and the numerous other social-engagement vehicles he has developed, funded and supported over the years in his private time, we salute him.
WINNER PROFILES Philanthropic Endeavour: Advocacy Winner: Odion Ighalo of Watford FC Odion Ighalo is a Nigerian striker currently playing for Watford and for Nigeria at international level. Growing up in Ajegunle, Ighalo played in some of the city’s most deprived areas. His first team, Olodi Warriors used to play on a grass pitch known locally as the Maracana, a big, wide-open field which saw many walks of life in and around Ajegunle. Whilst he practised and played, his mother worked seventeen hour days trying to support Ighalo’s dream. She sold bottled water and soft drinks to help pay for Ighalo’s football boots. He often says he owes everything he has achieved to her. After years of practise and hard graft, Ighalo finally got his big break aged 18. He arrived in Norway to play in the Tippeligaen, which was to change his life. Today he plays for Watford and this year, after Watford’s promotion, he made his debut in the English Premier League. The future is bright for Ighalo. Not yet satisfied with his substantial contribution to the people of Ajegunle (he sends money home on a regular basis), Ighalo wants to continue to work hard to make a difference to the town that got him where he is today. His ultimate dream is to build pitches for the kids at grassroots level and create opportunities that they wouldn’t dream possible. In the meantime he will continue to help the people of Ajegunle, the town that helped get him where he is today.
WINNER PROFILES Outstanding Achievement: Business Winner: Louis Saha of Axis Stars A French former professional footballer, Louis Saha started his career at Metz aged 17. A few years later Saha transferred to Newcastle United and then Fulham, where he established himself as a first choice striker. His first class performance soon attracted attention from Manchester United, who eventually signed him in 2003. During his time at Manchester United he enjoyed twice winning the Premier League, and the 2007 – 2008 UEFA Champions League. His charisma and style on the pitch was noted at Manchester United, with Wayne Rooney once naming him his favourite player to play with. After his retirement, Saha wanted to do something to help players think about life and opportunities after football, believing it’s never too soon to think about your future. His business, Axis Stars, aims to create a safe environment for players to seek business and investment opportunities. Growing fast, Axis Stars is creating opportunities for players in a private environment. Ultimately, Saha hopes to fill the gap in the market by making it easier for players to connect to potential business partners and brands. To add to Axis’s success story, the platform has already been nominated for Wealth Management Innovator of the Year.
WINNER PROFILES Outstanding Achievement: International Manager Winner: Avram Grant of Ghana National Team Avram Grant is the head coach of the Ghana national team. Just a few short weeks after taking charge he guided The Black Stars to within a penalty-kick of winning the African Cup of Nations. Grant’s coaching journey began at the age of 17 after his playing career was cruelly cut short by a car accident. After a successful spell in charge of Hapoel Petah Tikva, where Grant guided them to their first Israeli Cup in 30 years, he moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv and the team won the Israeli League title in his first season in charge. The Israeli Cup and another league title followed. In 2002, Grant became the youngest ever coach of the Israeli national team. The highlight of his six year spell was finishing third in their World Cup qualifying group behind winners France and runners-up Switzerland, having remained undefeated in the group with four wins and six draws. Grant is best known in the UK for his spell in charge of Chelsea – inheriting a team in sixth place in the league and ending the season second and a sudden death penalty shootout away from winning the Champions League Final. Penalties have played a big part in his career - two seasons later his Portsmouth team missed a spot-kick 15 minutes before full time during the FA Cup Final against his former club, Chelsea. They went on to lose the match, but Grant remains a hero with the club’s supporters for holding the team together despite their grave financial situation. He is now enjoying his second spell as an international manager and looking forward to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
WINNER PROFILES Outstanding Achievement: Male New Player Winner: Andre Ayew of Swansea City FC Andre Ayew is a 25 year old Ghanaian forward who began his career playing for Nania aged just 14. He made his professional debut for Marseille on the 15th August 2007, and in November he made his Champions League debut. Going from strength to strength, Ayew has continued to grow as a player to get where he is today. His current season at Swansea has been a particularly remarkable one, which has seen him become the side’s top goal scorer. His other achievements include winning two major trophies in the 2011 and 2012 French League Cups, and helping Arles win promotion from French 2nd division. It’s clear to see Ayew has only just begun. His diverse and mesmerising style of play have certainly contributed to some of Swansea’s successes this season. Ayew’s wealth of experience in international and European football has made him a standout player with tremendous talent. With his long list of achievements continuing to grow, it seems the future is bright for this young player.
WINNER PROFILES Outstanding Achievement: Female New Player Winner: Asisat Oshoala of Liverpool FC Asisat Lamina Oshoala is a 21 year old midfielder currently playing for Liverpool Ladies. Finding success as a forward for Nigeria’s youth teams, Asisat soon catapulted into success becoming known as ‘one of the best young players in the world’. A born risk taker, Oshoala dropped out of school at a young age to pursue her dream of becoming a footballer. The risk paid off - Oshoala become the first African player in the women’s super league when she signed to Liverpool in January. Her list of achievements are growing: she was named highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup and won BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015. On top of this, Oshoala was named best player and second top goal scorer with the Super Falcons team, which won the 2014 African Women’s Championship. It’s been a great year for Oshoala, who has helped raise the profile of women’s football in Africa. One to watch, it’s clear to see that she has changed the playing field. A formidable talent, Oshoala demonstrates how hard work and persistence pays off. She aims to keep achieving and improving, saying, ‘it’s a challenge but with hard work, I will get better’.
WINNER PROFILES Lifetime Achievement Award: Career (Male) Winner: Kolo Touré of Liverpool FC Committed, passionate, persistent and hard working are words often used to describe Kolo Touré. An influential player, Touré is often cited as a player with a lasting and influential impact on his teammates. A player who never gives anything less than ‘everything he can’, Touré’s achievements are vast and varied. He was a member of the famous ‘invincible side’ during the Arsenal Season of 03 – 04 and was also a key part of the winning formula that helped City capture their first Premier League title in 2012. Always willing to go the extra mile, Touré works hard to improve his performance as an individual as well as a team player. His passion and commitment has led to a long a fulfilling career in football, and he continues to thrive. He has been lucky enough to enjoy a career alongside his brother Yaya Touré, the highlight of which was winning the Premier League side by side at Manchester city in 2012. His long and invested career in the Premier League continues - he is still at Liverpool today. Touré has had thirteen years in top league English football and we’re sure there’s many more to come.
WINNER PROFILES Lifetime Achievement Award: Career (Female) Winner: Eniola Aluko of Chelsea FC A young woman who proves anything is possible, Eniola Aluko is the England striker with a first class law degree and a personal business under her belt at just 28 years old. Her playing career started aged 14, when Aluko began playing for both Birmingham City Ladies and the England national team. Her skill and talent was apparent early on and she quickly gained a promotion to the Premier League for Birmingham City Ladies in 2001 – 2002. Her success continued, as did her achievements and awards, which include Young Player of the year at the Women’s FA Awards in 2003, the Brunel University Award for best overall mark/best graduating student in 2008, and an award for Outstanding Achievement in Sport, received from Her Majesty the Queen in 2006. From 2005 – 2008 Aluko studied law and gained her degree from Brunel University, which led to her negotiating contracts on behalf of the likes of David Beckham, One Direction and Eden Hazard. But her years studying were not the average student experience, as Aluko combined studies with a sporting career for England. Aluko continues to break the mould as the first female pundit to appear on Match of the Day on 28th September 2014.
WINNER PROFILES The Baobab Award Winner: Yannick Bolasie of Crystal Palace FC The properties of this unique African tree inform the qualities of the award and its recipient. The baobab serves as the meeting place in many traditional African communities where its wide shadow provides a cool shade under which affairs may be handled. The baobab is also a resilient and uniquely timeless tree. It has no rings so it is very hard to tell the trees age, but its purpose and position in every community is unquestionable. Found in a majority of African countries (32), the baobab is revered, respected, valued and protected by millions. It provides shelter, food, healing, water, clothing, roofing, protection and identity. Today, we give the Baobab Award to Yannick Bolasie for the nature and content of his contribution to the African football story so far, and in particular the manner in which he has approached the numerous challenges he has faced. From France to Congo via England and Malta, from Conference League to Premiership and international football, this gentleman has demonstrated tremendous focus, resilience, dedication and exemplary professionalism. His recent personal loss with the passing of his father and his public display of strength inspired respect from many quarters. Yannick Bolasie receives the Best of Africa Baobab Award for fortitude of spirit and inspirational professionalism through adversity.
AFRICANS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
ARSENAL FC Name: Bertrand Traore
Name: Danny Welbeck Date of Birth: 6th September 1995
Date of Birth: 26th November 1990 Nation of Origin: Burkina Faso
Nation of Origin: Ghana
Name: Baba Rahman
ASTON VILLA FC Date of Birth: 2nd July 1994
Name: Rudy Gestede Nation of Origin: Ghana
Date of Birth: 10th October 1988
Nation of Origin: Benin Name: Papy Djilobodji
Date of Birth: 1st December 1988
Name: Jordan Ayew Nation of Origin: Senegal
Date of Birth: 11th September 1991
Nation of Origin: Ghana CRYSTAL PALACE FC
Name: Yannick Bolasie
Name: Gabriel Agbonlahor Date of Birth: 24th May 1989
Date of Birth: 13th October 1986 Nation of Origin: DR Congo
Nation of Origin: Nigeria
Name: Pape Souare
Name: Charles N’Zogbia Date of Birth: 6th June 1990
Date of Birth: 28th May 1986 Nation of Origin: Senegal
Nation of Origin: DR Congo
Name: Marouane Chamakh
Name: Idrissa Gueye Date of Birth: 10th January 1984
Date of Birth: 26th September 1989 Nation of Origin: Morocco
Nation of Origin: Senegal
Name: Bakary Sako
AFC BOURNEMOUTH Date of Birth: 26th April 1988
Name: Christian Atsu Nation of Origin: Mali
Date of Birth: 10th January 1992
Nation of Origin: Ghana EVERTON FC
Name: Brendan Galloway
Name: Tokelo Rantie Date of Birth: 17th March 1996
Date of Birth: 8th September 1990 Nation of Origin: Zimbabwe
Nation of Origin: South Africa
Name: Steven Pienaar
Name: Max Gradel Date of Birth: 17th March 1982
Date of Birth: 30th November 1987 Nation of Origin: South Africa
Nation of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire
Name: Arouna Kone
CHELSEA FC Date of Birth: 11th November 1983
Name: John Obi Mikel Nation of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire
Date of Birth: 22nd April 1987
Nation of Origin: Nigeria Name: Romelu Lukaku
Date of Birth: 13th May 1993
Nation of Origin: DR CongoAFRICANS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Name: Ross Barkley Name: Divock Origi
Date of Birth: 5th December 1993 Date of Birth: 18th April 1995
Nation of Origin: Nigeria Nation of Origin: Kenya
LEICESTER CITY FC MANCHESTER CITY FC
Name: Yohan Benalouane Name: Bacary Sagna
Date of Birth: 28th March 1987 Date of Birth: 14th February 1983
Nation of Origin: Tunisia Nation of Origin: Senegal
Name: N’Golo Kante Name: Vincent Kompany
Date of Birth: 29th March 1991 Date of Birth: 10th April 1986
Nation of Origin: Mali Nation of Origin: DR Congo
Name: Jeffrey Schlupp Name: Eliaquim Mangala
Date of Birth: 23rd December 1992 Date of Birth: 13th February 1991
Nation of Origin: Ghana Nation of Origin: DR Congo
Name: Riyad Mahrez Name: Samir Nasri
Date of Birth: 21st February 1991 Date of Birth: 26th June 1987
Nation of Origin: Algeria Nation of Origin: Algeria
Name: Joseph Dodoo Name: Yaya Toure
Date of Birth: 29th Jun 1995 Date of Birth: 13th May 1983
Nation of Origin: Ghana Nation of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire
LIVERPOOL FC Name: Wilfried Bony
Name: Kolo Toure Date of Birth: 10th December 1988
Date of Birth: 19th March 1981 Nation of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire
Nation of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire
Name: Kelechi Iheanacho
Name: Joe Gomez Date of Birth: 3rd October 1996
Date of Birth: 23rd May 1997 Nation of Origin: Nigeria
Nation of Origin: Gambia
MANCHESTER UNITED FC
Name: Mamadou Sakho Name: Marouane Fellaini
Date of Birth: 13th February 1990 Date of Birth: 22nd November
Nation of Origin: Senegal Nation of Origin: Morocco
Name: Jordon Ibe
Date of Birth: 8th December 1995 Name: Memphis Depay
Nation of Origin: Nigeria Date of Birth: 13th February 1994
Nation of Origin: Ghana
Name: Christian Benteke
Date of Birth: 3rd December 1990
Nation of Origin: DR CongoAFRICANS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
NEWCASTLE UNITED FC SOUTHAMPTON FC
Name: Chancel Mbemba Name: Sadio Mane
Date of Birth: 8th August 1994 Date of Birth: 10th April 1992
Nation of Origin: DR Congo Nation of Origin: Senegal
Name: Massadio Haidara Name: Victor Wanyama
Date of Birth: 2nd December 1992 Date of Birth: 25th June 1991
Nation of Origin: Dr Congo Nation of Origin: Kenya
Name: Kevin Mbabu STOKE CITY FC
Date of Birth: 19th April 1995 Name: Ibrahim Afellay
Nation of Origin: DR Congo Date of Birth: 2nd April 1986
International: Switzerland U19 Nation of Origin: Morocco
Name: Moussa Sissoko Name: Peter Odemwingie
Date of Birth: 16th August 1989 Date of Birth: 15th July 1981
Nation of Origin: Mali Nation of Origin: Nigeria
Name: Cheick Tiote Name: Mame Biram Diouf
Date of Birth: 21st June 1986 Date of Birth: 16th December 1987
Nation of Origin: Cote d’Ivoire Nation of Origin: Senegal
Name: Papiss Cisse SUNDERLAND AFC
Date of Birth: 3rd June 1985 Name: Younes Kaboul
Nation of Origin: Senegal Date of Birth: 4th January 1986
Nation of Origin: Morocco
NORWICH CITY FC
Name: Sebastien Bassong Name: Jack Rodwell
Date of Birth: 9th July 1986 Date of Birth: 11th March 1991
Nation of Origin: Cameroon Nation of Origin: Ghana
Name: Youssouf Mulumbu Name: Yann M’Vila
Date of Birth: 25th January 1987 Date of Birth: 29th June 1990
Nation of Origin: Dr Congo Nation of Origin: DR Congo
Name: Dieumerci Mbokani SWANSEA CITY AFC
Date of Birth: 22nd November 1985 Name: Andre Ayew
Nation of Origin: DR Congo Date of Birth: 17th Decemeber 1989
Nation of Origin: Ghana
Name: Alex Tettey
Date of Birth: 4th April 1986 Name: Bafetimbi Gomis
Nation of Origin: Ghana Date of Birth: 6th August 1985
Nation of Origin: SenegalAFRICANS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC Name: Saido Berahino
Name: Mousa Dembele Date of Birth: 4th August 1993
Date of Birth: 16th July 1987 Nation of Origin: Burundi
Nation of Origin: Mali
WEST HAM UNITED
Name: Dele Alli Name: Alex Song
Date of Birth: 11th April 1996 Date of Birth: 9th September 1987
Nation of Origin: Nigeria Nation of Origin: Cameroon
Name: Nacer Chadli Name: Cheikhou Kouyate
Date of Birth: 2nd August 1989 Date of Birth: 21st December 1989
Nation of Origin: Morocco Nation of Origin: Senegal
Name: Clinton NJie Name: Victor Moses
Date of Birth: 15th August 1993 Date of Birth: 12th December 1990
Nation of Origin: Cameroon Nation of Origin: Nigeria
Name: Nabil Bentaleb Name: Diafra Sakho
Date of Birth: 24th November 1994 Date of Birth: 24th December 1989
Nation of Origin: Algeria Nation of Origin: Senegal
WATFORD FC Name: Angelo Ogbonna
Name: Adlene Guedioura Date of Birth: 23rd May 1988
Date of Birth: 12th November 1985 Nation of Origin: Nigeria
Nation of Origin: Algeria
Name: Allan Nyom
Date of Birth: 10th May 1988
Nation of Origin: Cameroon
Name: Odion Ighalo
Date of Birth: 16th June 1989
Nation of Origin: Nigeria
WEST BROMICH ALBION FC
Name: Stephane Sessegnon
Date of Birth: 1st June 1984
Nation of Origin: Benin
Name: Victor Anichebe
Date of Birth: 23rd April 1988
Nation of Origin: NigeriaTHANK YOU Sky Sports News Forbes Africa Arsenal FC Swansea City AFC Rainbow Sport Glam Magazine Africa Fashion Week Ladafidi Band Audi Also, a special thank you to René Carayol The Bassong family Alice Matthews Aisha Hughton
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