OUR AFRICAN brothers may not be the most gifted when it comes to sports such as gymnastics or swimming, but on their own two feet they come good. Some say it’s because most children of Africa have to run to school, if not walk it — and run/walk they do for miles before they finally reach their destinations. The Africans, therefore, blessed with natural athleticism and a god-given bone structure, make good sprinters, runners and footballers. It’s not surprising that the English, Spanish, German, French and Italian football leagues are replete with examples of some of Africa’s finest. World Cup 2010 will see the participation of six African nations.

Ivory Coast: The 2010 World Cup would be only the second time for the Les Elephants. The African side won many a heart being the only team in 2006 to score in each of its matches, the only side in all World Cups to be able to do so. This time, however, the fate of Ivory Coast could be much different, especially with Swede coach Sven Goran Eriksson orchestrating a star-studded team.

Captain Didier Drogba’s 2009-10 season at English club Chelsea has been more than extraordinary.

He won his second Golden Boot for 29 goals from the season. The side also boasts of formidable lineup that includes players such as Yaya Toure (Barcelona) and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea).

Cameroon: The indomitable lions have been a force to reckon with in African football. Ranked 19th in Fifa ranking, Cameroon’s men’s football team got Africa its first-ever gold medal at the 2000 summer Olympics. The most recognisable face of Cameroonian football is also its most talented. Samuel Eto’o has been a key player for both 2009 Champions League winners Barcelona FC, and the 2010 champions Inter Milan.

Nigeria: The Nigerian football side may have the most World Cup legacy behind them, but haven’t been able to capitalise on any. The Super Eagles are also devoid of any international star players.

Ghana: According to Fifa, Ghana was the youngest team to play at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The team average was only 23 years and 352 days, and yet this African side, called the Black Stars, were the only among five participating African nations to advance to round two of the Cup. Ghana's group consisted of the US, Czech Republic and eventual champions Italy. Ghana's star players include midfielder Sulley Muntari, who plays for Inter Milan, AC Milan's forward Dominic Adiyiah and Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose hard tackle in the final match of the 2009-10 season saw Michael Ballack limp out in agonising pain, and left out of the German squad. Ghana's own headache is the injury of Ballack's teammate at Chelsea, Michael Essien.

Algeria: Had Zinedine Zidane chosen to play for his home country, Algeria's place in footballing nations would have been just that little different.

However, another Zidane, was the pride and joy of Algerian football. Djamel Zidane was the only goal scorer at the 1986 World Cup.

South Africa: For 33 years, South Africa remained on Fifa's banned list, as the country grappled with apartheid. Having qualified for only three World Cups out of the 19, Bafana Bafana (the Boys) are still a tottering team. But it's great to have them back. Let the games begin, then.