Didier Drogba and the Cote d'Ivoire team believe that Africa is on the verge of hosting an iconic World Cup and the striker says his team-mates will do everything they can to reach the final of the tournament next year.
"It is going to be a challenge. To make it to the final will not be easy because there are great teams like Brazil and Germany who have won the World Cup for many years," he said after the Elephants qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup following a 1-1 draw with Malawi.
"But my friends and I want to make history and want to change the way the world sees African football. We will do everything we can to get to the final and hopefully win it."
Drogba, who netted the crucial goal against Malawi expressed his confidence in South Africa's ability to stage a successful World Cup.
"I was here in South Africa for the FIFA Confederations Cup in June and everything was perfect. The stadiums are good and the people in South Africa are very friendly," added the Chelsea hitman.
Meanwhile, SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani encouraged Ivory Coast to excel at the World Cup next year.
"Today is a good day to be an African. This World Cup has been dubbed an African one. What that means is that this World Cup (trophy) has to remain in Africa and that cannot happen without your commitment. We want you to commit to working very hard. You have already qualified and all that remains now is the final touches," said Nematandani.
Local Organising Committee chief exec Danny Jordaan added that the nation boasts some of the best players in the world and he is backing them to do the continent proud next year.
"For this to truly be an African World Cup it is time African teams got to the final stages of the event, including the final. And this team, Cote d'Ivoire, is one of the teams that must carry the hopes of Africa," he said.
"They have players from the best teams in the world, like Chelsea, Barcelona, Arsenal and Sevilla. This team has the quality and we ask the captain Didier Drogba to ensure this team brings us consistent performances which will bring them to the final stages. We wish you the very best and we want you to seize the moment in 2010," concluded Jordaan.
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