After a disappointing season with Chelsea, Michael Essien turns his sights to a charity initiative, aimed at promoting and raising the awareness of peace in Africa.
On Wednesday, May 25, the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra would host an Africa XI and World XI match organised by Essien, an Africa Union Peace Ambassador.
The charity game is to help promote peace in Africa and forms part of the Ghana international's commitment to raising the awareness of peace on the continent using football.
The continent continues to be riddled by conflicts but Essien hopes that through football, the number one sport in Africa, an impact can be made in bringing out lasting peace.
"Football is a very big thing in Africa, people love football, so it's always good to deliver the message through football. Hopefully, this game will help to bring peace in Africa because if you look at what has happened in Ivory Coast and Libya, it's not good. It's time for Africa to stand up and make peace with each other, stop the fighting, put the guns down and love each other," Essien said.
Funds raised from the game will be used to enhance peace initiatives across Africa.
According to Essien: “the whole idea is to create awareness and to promote peace in Africa, as you can see what is happening in some African countries.”
“Hopefully through football we can spread the message across and I think Africans love football and it is easier to use football to spread the message,” he said.
An array of world stars are expected to play a part in the game with Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda featuring for the World XI while the Africa team is set to include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o of Internazionale, and Manchester City's Touré brothers, Kolo and Yaya.
