Johannesburg , South Africa ( CNN ) -- The hosting of the 2010 World Cup by South Africa was always going to be an occasion for celebration among football lovers around the world , but for former soccer greats who call the continent home , the event has a significance beyond mere fandom . Having moved from a period where only four African sides qualified for the World Cup in 44 years since the first event in 1930 , the continent now boasts some of the greatest stars in global soccer . Superstars like Didier Drogba ( Ivory Coast ) , Michael Essien ( Ghana ) and Samuel Eto ' o ( Cameroon ) may have global fame and great riches thanks to their talent , but for every modern legend from Africa there are just as many pioneers who helped break down the barriers to allow such opportunity . Former players such as Kalusha Bwalya ( Zambia ) , Abedi Pele ( Ghana ) and Salif Keita ( Mali ) may not be household names that roll off the tongue , but they all played a crucial role in breaking down the prejudice that existed , and hampered , the abilities of players from Africa . One such pioneer was Nigerian great Jay-Jay Okocha -- a skilful attacker who help guide the Super Eagles to Olympic gold glory in 1996 -- told CNN he believes that the World Cup proves African football has finally come of age . `` I think we have contributed a lot to world football and we are glad that FIFA have finally recognized and believe that we belong , '' said the 36-year-old , who played in the top leagues in Germany , France , England and Turkey before retiring in 2008 . `` It 's not just a game for us , it 's like a religion , it 's like a tradition . We bring a lot of colors , we bring a lot of emotion and we bring a lot of enthusiasm to the game . '' 2010 World Cup : A catalyst for a new South Africa ? Another great who did much to break down the barriers holding back footballers from Africa was Jomo Sono . The South African former striker played during the apartheid era and significantly was one of the first black players to take part in the previously illegal activity of cross-color matches in the 1970s . Sono was South Africa 's youngest-ever professional and easily one of the country 's greatest football talents . But despite playing for the Orlando Pirates and the New York Cosmos alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Pele , he was unable to play in world competition due to the international ban that existed on the racist South African government . For Sono , hosting the World Cup is bitter sweet : `` It 's difficult to describe , it 's difficult being an ex-player who never got to play . I feel like I could turn the clock back and play now . But everything happens for a reason , '' he told CNN . Sono controversially sacrificed a lucrative career in America to return to apartheid South Africa in an attempt to help the country to change . `` They needed role models , they needed people who made it in spite of the regime , so ( they ) knew they could do it too . Was it a sacrifice ? Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison . That 's sacrifice . Me , I played football , '' Sono said in an interview for Ian Hawkey 's `` Feet of the Chameleon '' book . No African side has ever progressed past the quarterfinals of the World Cup , so many hopes rests on hosts `` Bafana Bafana '' to perform well . As a former technical director for the side Sono had some words of advise for his former students : `` I know how the players are feeling . I 'll be speaking to them the day before the games . They will call me at night and I 'll say go out there and enjoy yourselves and do n't put pressure on yourselves , '' he told CNN . Amos Adamu , a member of the executive committees of football 's world governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football ( CAF ) , said whatever the progress of South Africa , new standards are being set . `` African football has reached the stage where it 's compared favorably with football in any part if the world , '' he told CNN . `` If you look at African players , they are all around the world and they are very outstanding players . I 'm very proud that African football has got to that level . '' Adamu also attacked critics who have said that the cost of South Africa hosting the World Cup is too high , and instead claimed the tournament will leave a lasting legacy for the country . `` People complain that it 's a waste of money , but it 's important that the organizers and the countries know that the benefits are very enormous , '' he said . `` No country hosts the World Cup and remains the same . Hosting these games brings a lot of financial social and economic benefits to the nation . ''
Legends of African football gathered at a pre- the World Cup gala dinner in Nigeria . Former Nigeria star Jay Jay Okocha believes African football has finally come of age . FIFA and CAF official Amos Adamu thinks South African football is as good as it ever has been . Former South African footballer Amos Adamu will be offering advice to Nigeria .