The Ivory Coast`s Didier Drogba says 2010 will be Africa`s best chance to win the World Cup when South Africa host the tournament.
"I think this World Cup in Africa is very important, for the continent, not only for the Ivory Coast and not only for me," the Chelsea star said.
"This will maybe the best chance for an African team to win the World Cup but it`s not going to be easy.
"We still have to qualify and it`ll be a big battle as the teams are tough."
The Elephants, who played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, have reached the final phase of African qualifying from which five teams will qualify for the World Cup.
Drogba also said he was glad he stayed at Chelsea after being linked with both
Milan clubs in the last transfer window amid speculation he would leave the English Premier League club.
He developed a close relationship with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and media reports speculated that he would follow the Portuguese coach when he took over at Inter Milan.
But Drogba said: "This (Chelsea) is the club which suits me best, I think, because this is the only club where I won all the titles I have now and, yes, I`m happy to be here and stay with my friends."
Drogba has seen little action under Chelsea`s new manager Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, recovering from knee surgery after the season began.
He then suffered another knee injury against CFR Cluj in the Champions League in Romania two weeks ago.
