Didier Drogba and E1 Series: Racing into Africa
Didier Drogba is part of what may be the world's most illustrious sporting WhatsApp group.
Alongside global icons such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, Virat Kohli, and Rafael Nadal, as well as actor Will Smith, the former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker is an owner of a team in the E1 Series, the world's first all-electric international powerboat racing competition.
After launching last year, E1 is approaching the conclusion of its second season and is set to make its inaugural stop in Africa, with Lagos' lagoon hosting nine teams over the weekend of October 4-5.
"When we decided to embark on this journey with E1, our primary goal was always to bring the race to Africa," Drogba told BBC Sport Africa.
"We want people to discover our culture and our history. Lagos is an excellent choice for us because it is a vibrant city."
Drogba's partner, Gabrielle Lemaire, who is also a co-investor in their team, shares his view that Nigeria's largest city is ideal for this event.
"The population is predominantly young, and this presents an opportunity for us to advocate for sustainability," said Lemaire, who serves as the vice president of the Didier Drogba Foundation.
Promoting itself as "pioneering a sustainable future in marine sports," E1 claims to "regenerate coastal waters through innovative clean technologies."
Previous venues for E1 have included Venice, Monaco, Dubrovnik, Doha, and Lake Como, with Miami set to conclude this season.
The series also aims to promote gender equality, with each team comprising one female and one male pilot. "It is a powerful symbol to demonstrate that men and women can compete in sports," Lemaire stated.
"We want to advocate for this, especially for young women, to understand its importance today. This is not just about sports; it encompasses much more."
Spotlighting African Talent
Competitors in the E1 Series come from diverse motorsport backgrounds, as seen in Team Drogba's roster. Teenage British powerboat champion Oban Duncan partners with Micah Wilkinson, who secured a sailing bronze for New Zealand at last year's Olympic Games.
Duncan, the youngest pilot in E1, has developed a strong rapport with the 19-year-old. "Oban is incredibly talented, though her confidence was initially low," Drogba revealed. "I told her, 'We trust you; we support you. You are a superstar because you race with energy and enthusiasm.'"
Drogba and Lemaire are already looking ahead, hoping that the upcoming race in Lagos will inspire African talent. "Our goal is to engage African youth in the sport, sustainability, and cultural exploration," Drogba explained. "We would love to have an African pilot; it would mean a lot to us."
Friendly Rivalry in the WhatsApp Group
Despite a successful career that included four Premier League titles and a Champions League victory with Chelsea, the two-time African Footballer of the Year has opted against pursuing a coaching role for now. However, the 47-year-old is channeling the leadership skills of his former coaches and teammates into his current role.
"I have been fortunate to learn from a diverse range of managers and players, including John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, and Petr Cech. I strive to absorb their best qualities and replicate them in my own way as a leader," he noted.
While competition on the water is intense, Drogba shared that the rivalry extends beyond the races. "I decided not to bring too much of my competitive nature into this, or else I would dominate them as I did with my fellow strikers," he joked, referring to his fellow team owners. "These guys can be quite fierce in our WhatsApp group. I used to think Rafa [Nadal] was a nice guy, but his comments have made me reconsider, and I may need to step up my game!"
With high-profile owners like DJ Steve Aoki and Puerto Rican singer Marc Anthony, the competition among these stars is a significant attraction for E1. This has led organizers to target a valuation of £500 million ($675 million) for the series within the next five years. "The energy and commitment from all the owners will only drive growth," Drogba expressed. "Initially, it was just me, Rafa, Marc, and Steve. Now, we have Tom Brady, Will Smith, and LeBron James joining us. We hope to add a female owner soon, as that is crucial."
Drogba also envisions a race in Ivory Coast, with Abidjan being a potential venue due to its lagoon, which resembles the waterways of Lagos. "There are specific technical requirements to host a race, but I believe Abidjan has everything needed," he remarked. "We demonstrated this capability with the Africa Cup of Nations, and it is essential that we make this happen."