Hey Jesanpese Peeps
As many a football fan, I follow the English Premier League regularly to support my favourite team, Arsenal. I had a look at the top 5 scorers in the league and I noticed that 3 of the top 5 were African players.
- Mohamed Salah (LIV) 22 goals, 8 assists - Egypt
- Sergio Aguero (MCI) 20 goals, 8 assists - Argentina
- Sadio Mane (LIV) 20 goals, 1 assist - Senegal
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ARS) 19 goals, 5 assists - Gabon
- Jamie Vardy (LEI) 18 goals, 4 assists - England
The road to the top for any player is not easy and takes a lot of support, resources, time, effort and commitment. But for players that come from African there a few additional obstacles to jump before they even get the chance to get a chance to compete with others of their level. Then only prove if they are good enough.
Image source: africa.com
Talent is everywhere, an opportunity isn't
It just shows that Africa has the talent and the perseverance we just lack the resources to foster the opportunities others receive. I don't believe in equality of outcome, but I do believe access to opportunity is important. While some will squander it others will take it with open arms and run with it and fulfil some or even all of their potential.
Taking on opportunities always comes with sacrifice and why many do not take it is because they make their decisions based on fear, but for many of us in Africa an opportunity is seen as a gift and we're all too happy to grab hold of it and run with it.
I'm not saying that there aren't lazy people here who are happy to coast all I'm saying is that if access to opportunities were available in all places around the world we could see a very different Africa.
Have your say
Do you think talent can thrive even in the face of adversity all the time?
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Sometimes a bit of adversity can motivate somebody more. They can use their frustrations as fuel to push them along.
It forces them to be extra creative and resourceful.
(Not to say that the discrepancies in opportunities should not be addressed).
Posted using Partiko iOS
Oh for sure, I think adversity can give you a real hunger for success. I personally feel that's my case having lived in a pre-apartheid era and not having access to certain schools and areas of the country. It's not the case for everyone some still feel like victims but it for sure can be a motivator to want to succeed.
I believe talent will only thrive, when the one having the talent, wants to succeed. You get clever people who does not excel academically because they do not want to learn. (Only an example to illustrate my point above) Talent and hard work will almost always thrive!!
I agree talent is only a springboard its not going to get you anywhere if you don't harness and refine it. There are plenty of less talented people who excel past others due to hard work. I just think that even with talent and hard work you can create certain opportunities but its not always accessible.
For example, if your talent is in technology but you born in Africa it's much harder to realise your goals than in a place where technology is valued and used in everyday life like a more developed country
I agree with you on that one, the opportunities are just less here!!
The train of opportunities passes only once in a lifetime and that's why you have to know how to recognize it and take advantage of it, even if it requires sacrifices. The greater those sacrifices are, the greater the value we give to the opportunity and the talents come out with a lot of discipline. I believe that in the most difficult circumstances, when you want you can and if, in addition, they give you the opportunity, then you grow...
Greetings, friend @chekohler
Indeed it's not that there aren't opportunities it's just that they are harder to come by and might not ever come around again so you need to grab them even if you don't feel ready. There is really no time for fear or considering your options which is something that not a lot of people can do, they weren't taught how to handle it and going on instinct you normally opt for the "safe" route
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