In two days time, probably one of the most disputed World Cups in history, in the league of the 1978 and 2018 editions, which were roundly condemned for sports washing, will kick off for the first time in the Arab world, Qatar to be specific.A lot has been said off the pitch about the showpiece; ranging from how the stinking rich tiny gulf nation allegedly bought the hosting rights through bribes and kickbacks, to deplorable working conditions for immigrant workers, who have been toiling under scorching heat to build the host stadiums, leading to several deaths.A recently released Netflix documentary dubbed “FIFA Uncovered”, featuring vocal Kenyan sports rights agent, Francis Gaitho, revealed damning under-deals ahead of the vote for awarding of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.Yet, the mundial is finally here, and the proverbial rubber is about to hit the tarmac! Mozzart Sport spoke to several sports journalists from across Africa on what they make of the World Cup, and who they predict will bring home the glory of the 32nd edition of the quadrennial championship.Mamadou Gaye, Soccer Africa panelist – Ivory CoastSenegal being in the group alongside the organizing country risks being sacrificed to the benefit of Qatar and leaving in the first round. Tunisia does not inspire confidence and will also be eliminated in the first round.Morocco, the most organized African country; well structured and financially solid and very disciplined, will reach the semifinals. Cameroon in a pool with Brazil will serve the surprise of the chef and will come out unscathed from the group to reach the semifinals by beating the first team in the FIFA ranking.Ghana, which had been prevented by Uruguay from being the first African nation to reach the semis, will eat its revenge like a cold dish and will reach the semifinals.David Kwalimwa, Online Sports Editor, Nation Media Group – KenyaThe estimated 3 billion audience will sample the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands, France and England in action. I expect one of these teams to go all the way.Uruguay, Portugal and Spain form the surprise package while Neymar Junior, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Gabriel Jesus, and the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo are among the players to watch.I tip Senegal and Ghana to be Africa’s best performers at the tournament and Qatar, despite the criticism, to stage a memorable tournament. World Cup Pulse: How African clubs will miss out on the World Cup windfallGideon Fiifi Nyamekye, Kickgh.com – GhanaEveryone around the globe will be expecting much from this edition of the mundial for it being staged in the Middle East. As it was hosted for the first time on the African continent twelve years ago in South Africa and also remembered as one of the best tournaments in the history of the World Cup.I will be looking forward to seeing a nation from the South American continent clinching the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Argentina and Brazil have been ranked by most punters and bookmakers as favorites of the tournament and I could see Brazil winning the trophy for the sixth time in Qatar.Usher Komugisha, African Football Journalist – UgandaNo predictions per say, but the South American teams look like early favorites – Brazil and Argentina to be specific.##NAJAVA_MECA_6816143##Frederick Nwaka, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation – Tanzania I don’t see African teams doing well in the World Cup despite them having star players. I predict Brazil, Germany and France to be the top contenders for the cup.Ruth “Toto” Arege, Sports Correspondent, Nation Media Group – KenyaI did follow the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that was the most memorable one to date. While we wait for the soccer event to begin, I don’t feel the World Cup fever compared to the 2010 one. The Waka Waka song was just something else.From the 2018 World Cup, teams performance was based on the history of the team, FIFA rankings and performance in the recent past. Croatia for example, was one of the underdogs and nobody knew that it would make it to the final for the first time in history. Teams that are considered underdogs will carry the day in Qatar.I don’t have any specific team yet that I will be supporting, but I will get a team as the tournament goes on.So, who will win it?Washington Onyango, Standard Media Group – KenyaIt’s going to be a tough one this year because the majority of the teams are stacked with quality players. For the first time, there are no favorites, not even defending champions France.One key factor that might arise to a new and unlikely champion will be physical fitness, squad rotation and quality. We are coming from a post Covid-19 era that has seen lots of fixtures congested and therefore players are fatigued with no rest.Don’t be surprised if the big teams with top players exit early because their players are tired from vigorous club commitments, while the so-called smaller nations prevail.Fingers crossed though because the big teams have quality and can win games easily when the day favors them.
