KAMPALA, Oct. 17 ) -- Three time African footballer Abedi Pele has said Ghana's victory of the U-20 World Cup has set the pace for Africa to win the 2010 World Cup on African soil.

"After winning the U-20 World Cup in Egypt, there is no reason why an African country cannot win the World Cup in South Africa next year because we have what it takes," Pele told Xinhua in an interview in Kampala Saturday afternoon.

The former Ghanaian footballer, who is in Uganda carrying the African Nations Cup trophy in its display around the continent, said that the likes of Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and even Cameroon should do what it takes to win the World Cup.

"The seniors have to borrow a leaf from the youngsters of Ghana by being determined and composed in their quest in winning the World Cup trophy in Africa next year," he said.

Pele believed Ghana's win also means a lot for the foundation of African youth football which has been lagging behind.

"It is high time the youth in Africa start having the belief to win. The different federations around Africa must also make sure age cheating stops and the youngsters are taken through proper channels," reasoned Pele.

Talking about his son Andre Ayew captaining the U-20 team to victory over Brazil in the 4-3 penalty shoot-out Friday night, the44-year-old Pele referred to it as the happiest moment in his life.

"It's unfortunate I could not be in Cairo to cheer our boys, but it's a great feeling as a father to see your son lead a team to victory in such a big tournament," said Pele, adding that he had paid tickets for his parents and relatives to travel to Cairo and cheer Andre and the entire team.

The African football legend also called upon the Ugandans to always dream big and not only think about qualification for the Africa Nations Cup only.

"You should not target only 2012 (African Nations Cup), dream big, aim at having a strong youth base and you'll be there," said Pele, who had lifted the African Nations Cup trophy twice as a player.

The trophy has already toured Ghana, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. After touring Uganda, Pele and the trophy will head to Mozambique before reaching the home of the tournament, Angola in November.