Africa has everything needed to produce a World Cup winner, says Xavier

Former Portugal international Abel Xavier believes African football has all the ingredients needed to produce a future FIFA World Cup winner, but says the continent must reflect on why its national teams have not consistently matched the success of its players at club level.

Speaking to SuperSport during the FIFA World Cup, the former Liverpool, Everton and Portugal defender said Africa's continued production of elite footballers proves the continent has the quality to compete with the very best.

"The way I see it, there is an important reflection to be made regarding African teams. If African players are individually capable of competing at the highest level and playing for the best clubs in Europe, why are we not consistently seeing stronger national teams? That is something we need to reflect on,"  Xavier said.

Born in Mozambique, Xavier said returning to Africa during the tournament has allowed him to reconnect with his roots.

"It's been awesome. Thank you so much for the way you've welcomed me and helped me settle in. Being here has allowed me to reconnect with my roots because Africa is in my heart."

Xavier believes African football has made significant strides in recent years.

"When you talk about physicality, tactical awareness and understanding of the game, African teams have improved significantly. If you're talking about skill, we have everything needed to compete with the very best. For that reason, I believe the moment will come when an African team achieves something truly special."

He also believes coaching structures remain an important area for reflection.

"Secondly, among the African teams, only a few have local coaches. That is another point we need to think about."

Xavier believes African teams are increasingly capable of competing with football's traditional powers.

"If we talk about the physical strength of the African teams, for example, and the pragmatism and tactical discipline of some of the Asian teams, they can also surprise people."

Asked which African nations are currently leading the way, Xavier pointed to two countries he believes have established the strongest foundations.

"If you ask which teams are currently closest, based on the work they have done and the models they have implemented, I would say Senegal and Morocco are slightly ahead of the other African teams at this moment."

Catch all the World Cup games live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. For Xavier, Africa's breakthrough on football's biggest stage is no longer a question of talent, but of turning individual excellence into collective success.