voldemort

Five years on from the tragic death of former star Marc-Vivien Foe, Cameroon captain Rigobert Song has revealed that the shadow cast by the premature departure from this world of his friend and former teammate still hangs over the team.

Foe, who won French League titles both at Lens and Lyon, died on the field of play just 28-years-old, at what should have been his physical peak.
He died of a heart related condition shortly after collapsing during a Confederations Cup fixture against Colombia on June 26 2003.

"I have no regrets in my life, but one horrible memory will always be with me," Song told Goal.com from The Lions' Golden Tulip hotel base in Ghana.
"The Confederations Cup was a shock. It was the first time the world at large had seen someone collapse on the pitch. Now it happens quite a lot.
"Today, everyone knows it can happen, but then no one knew it was possible."

At the time of his death Cameroon were reigning double African champions having conquered the continent in 2000 and 2002.
The West Africans haven't come close to capturing an international honour since, but now stand on the brink of drawing level with Egypt on five African Cup of Nations titles.

Just a win against hosts Ghana will see Cameroon back in a final, the type of stage the majority of the Cameroonian squad feel they belong on.

Foe, who was so popular with all who met him for his sense of humour and love of life, will be on Song's mind when Cameroon take to the field at 5pm, as he is whenever Cameroon play.

Nothing can ever bring Foe back, but Song has admitted Fifa have now responded to international calls for more heart screening to take place, following three further high profile heart related death amongst other European based players this season.

"In this competition CAF have screened our hearts and tested everything about our bodies. This is progress and is great for us
players to see. It's the first time I've seen such rigorous testing at an international competition."



source:goal.com