The wealthy pros of Ivory Coast’s national soccer team were resting in their luxury hotel last week, preparing for a match in Africa’s biggest tournament, when Yaya Camara sprinted onto a dusty lot and began fizzing one pass after another to his friends.
Shiny soccer cleats like his idols’?
No thanks, said Mr. Camara, a lean 18-year-old midfielder, as he wiped sweat from his brow.
“How did the pros started playing when they were kids like us?
With lêkê,” he added, referring to the sandals that are ubiquitous not only in his pickup game but almost any place an Ivorian puts their feet.
Persons:
Ivory, Yaya Camara, ’, Camara
Organizations:
soccer team, Africa’s
Locations:
Ivory Coast’s