World Cup win not impossible for African team, says Weah

George Weah, the former world soccer player of the year, believes an African team could win next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Africa has emerged as major source of talent, with players such as Liberian-born Weah, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o playing for some of Europe's leading clubs.

And while an African team had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals of a World Cup, Weah said the 2010 tournament could change that.

"We hope for that, it's not impossible. It's a difficult task but it's not impossible," Weah told reporters. "Ghana just won a junior world cup. Why not?"

Ghana won the under-20 World Cup last month.

Speaking to reporters after a news conference, Weah, who won European and World player of the year in 1995, said discipline and hard work were the keys to success.

"Years ago, we couldn't partake in the best player of Europe and the world. It happened. There is a high possibility that an African team can win a World Cup if it can prepare well."