Tyres for Goalposts

Thought I'd share a few pics from the beach near our hostel in Yoff, just outside Dakar. It's pretty quiet in the day (because it's so rinsingly hot), but as the sun goes down the beach comes to life, as the young boys of Dakar get in some serious football training. Chasing the dream lived by Senegalese stars such as El Hadji Diouf, a ticket to Europe to play in one of the big leagues is a way for the Senegalese youth to live a better life for themselves and their families. As the heat cools off, the long stretch of beach is filled by literally thousands of kids, jogging, exercising, and playing matches against eachother.

Although some say chasing this dream gives a negative effect on other areas of development such as education, you can feel the determination and dedication as you pass through. Made for some pretty cool pics (ruined somewhat by the date but that setting is DEFINITELY gone now).

The African Cup of Nations will be taking place in Angola in January, just as we arrive in Ghana. Unfortunately Senegal didn't qualify, but in the lead up to Africa's first ever World Cup in South Africa in 2010, Ghana will be one of the favourites. I'll be wearing my Ghana shirt WITH PRIDE!