Pele sings Blatter's praises

Abedi Pele says Blatter has a vision for African football

BBC Sport Online's Kennedy Gondwe reports from Lusaka

Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele Ayew has thrown his weight behind Sepp Blatter as the Swiss fights for a second term as Fifa president.

The former Black Stars captain has urged African nations to support Blatter in his battle against Issa Hayatou, the Caf president.

Pele gave his views on the forthcoming Fifa presidential election to BBC Sport Online in Lusaka, Zambia.

We need someone who can speak the language of football

Abedi Pele

He is accompanying Blatter on his whirlwind tour of southern African states in search of votes.

"I believe Blatter has worked hard and remain hopeful that he can do a better job," said Pele, a former African Footballer of the Year.

Pele becomes the third high-profile former player to openly call for Africa to vote for Blatter.

Vision

Liberia's George Weah and Cameroon's Roger Milla have already spoken of their desire to see Blatter re-elected.

Pele said: "We need someone who can speak the language of football at any time.

"Blatter has a vision to narrow the gap between Africa and the rest of the world."

The Fifa election takes place in Seoul, South Korea, two days before the start of the World Cup finals.