Ex-Cameroonian international Samuel Eto’o expects Ghana ace Andre Ayew to win three Africa Footballer of the year awards.

The former Barcelona star is optimistic about Ayew’s chances of clinching the accolade having missed out on two occasions.

Ayew, 27, failed to win the prestigious award in 2011 and 2015 losing out to Samuel Eto’o and Gabonese international Pierre Emerick Aubameyung respectively.

Eto’o in an exclusive interview with Ghana Sports editor Dan Kweku Yeboah at his base in Antalya says the Swansea City ace (Andre Ayew) can win three Africa footballer of the year award before going on retirement.

“Ayew can win three African footballer of the year awards, he has come close on two occasions and is likely he could win it the next time, you know that is the Africa's version of the Ballon dor and it is very important for African African player” he told Ghana Sports Newspaper.

“He is still young and has lots of potentials. He has been good for both Club and country.

“For me he is one of the best African players in Europe now.

“He is performing very well in the English Premier League for Swansea City and I think he can win the award for three times before he retires.”

Andre Ayew would certainly step into the shoes of his father Abedi Ayew Pele should he win the honorary award on three occasions.

Eto’o who now plays for Turkish outfit Antalyaspor is tied up with Ivorian star Yaya Toure who have all received the honor on four occasions.