Andre Onana's move to English giants Manchester United has had widespread waves that have shaken the African continent with legendary goalkeeper William Okpara standing in salutation.
Onana has joined United on a USD 57 million (over R1 billion) and will replace David de Gea with the Spaniard leaving after 12 years at the club.
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Black African goalkeepers at top European clubs is rare which is why Okpara – a retired Nigerian keeper who played for Orlando Pirates has taken notice having seen Joseph Antoine Bell, Vincent Enyeama, Peter Rufai, Thomas N'kono, Jacques Songo'o, and Carlos Kameni not making it into the English clubs.
"For me, African keepers are usually shorter than the ones preferred by the European clubs and then comes the issue of trust," Okpara tells KickOff.
There is a stigma around African goalkeepers being erratic, unreliable, and lacking concentration as they come less equipped for the European game.
"The Europeans have trust issues with us African keepers because goalkeeping is a sensitive position.
"With Onana his advantage is that he started at Ajax when he was 14 years so that is a good foundation for him to earn the trust of the big European clubs.
"He is from Africa but grew up playing in the European system of play.
"Fortunately, enough he has played for big clubs like Ajax Amsterdam and Inter Milan.
"Being an African he must work extra because there will be no room for error with what they are paying him at Manchester United.
"I pray that he will succeed because whoever signed him saw something worthy of the club spending what they spent on him.
"There are a lot of keepers in Africa but those that are taken by European clubs are tall like Mendy (Edouardo).
"People don't know what African players are going through in Europe because to play there you need to have the character to last the distance through being criticized just because you are black and from Africa.
"Being black comes with hatred so your performance should be what keeps you ahead of everyone else.
"Most African keepers go to France and Spain so to be at a top club in England like Manchester United is huge.
"This is no longer about the country where he comes from but the continent of Africa because when we are all in Europe we are identified as being Africans with our countries secondary.
"I honestly feel this move will open doors for black African keepers in Europe.
"Why didn't Itumeleng Khune and Brian Baloyi move to Europe at their prime?
"It is about time that black African keepers earn the trust of top European clubs like Manchester United.
"Onana's move is a celebration for black African keepers because these opportunities don't come every day.
"Once you are black and a goalkeeper in Europe, you have to go the extra mile to make it and I know Onana will not misuse this chance.
"The coach (Erik ten Hag) at Manchester United knows him from Ajax," says Okpara.
"Onana fits the bill of a modern goalkeeper because he is a sweeper keeper and reminds me of Colombian keeper Rene Higuita," says Okpara.
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