Chelsea’s presence in Africa was first felt when South Africa’s Ralph Oelofse became the first African ever to play for the Blues during their 1-0 defeat of West Bromwich Albion on March 1, 1952.
That historic moment brought the club to the consciousness of Africans who at that time supported household clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Ajax and not forgetting Nottingham Forest.
Despite the presence of African-born talents like Derek Smethurst, Colin Viljoen, Roy Wegerle, Mark Stein, Joel Kitamirike and Marcel Desailly at the London club, their fanbase in African remained scanty.
