(Frank Simon-French Football Journalist writes on Richard Kingson)

Throughout the World Cup, Frank Simon, a specialist in African football in France Football, lets you live the "Saga Africa".

There is one who does not fear the pressure! It is the last bastion of Ghana and as such, the player most exposed of the Black Stars.

Friday (20:30), Soccer City in Johannesburg, Richard Kingson will have the onerous task of leading his country in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

At 32, the goalkeeper holder of Ghana does not look like a beginner, who has been through eighth-final against Brazil four years ago.

Since that appointment, he was all the great adventures of Ghana: 3rd in the Africa Cup of Nations 2008, a finalist this year in the same competition in Angola.

And yet, "Olele" his nickname, do not play in a club. Who is considered more powerful than him in the same position.

Recruited by Wigan (Premier League) in 2008, the Ghanaian has not donned the jersey of the club championship since the current 2008-2009 season!

His pro career, which has also led in Sweden, was first off in Turkey where he spent nearly eight years, between 1998 and 2006. Essentially in training the soft underbelly, where he honed his skills by playing regularly.

Naturalized Turkish under the name Faruk Gürsoy, Richard is the brother of another Ghanaian international, Laryea Kingston, who is not present in South Africa.

One of the three best goalkeepers in the continent

Outstanding on his line and in a duel against one, Kingson erred, however, since the start of the tournament against Australia in the first round (1-1).

Obviously, some were quick to criticize sharply the eager player. Calm and balanced, "Olele" answered with an outstanding game for sobriety against the United States in the second round (2-1).

Despite his lack of playing time in the Championship, Kingson again raised its level, and won every face to face against Donovan, Altidore, Bradley and Dempsey.

This is obviously not a coincidence that it is considered, with the Egyptian and Nigerian El Hadary Enyeama as one of the top three experts on the continent to his post.

Very religious - he prays on his knees on his line before the kick-off matches - and always smiling, Kingson preparing to compete in the biggest game of his career, and probably in the history of Ghana football.

And always in his dress blue purple fetish, curiously adopted by all the guards for African World, whose team is equipped by Puma ...

Frank Simon