Kivuvu yet to decide on Angola

By Pieter Stroink van Eizenga
BBC Sport, Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Dominique Kivuvu has a tough - if enviable - decision to make.

Dominique Kivuvu (right) has played for the Dutch under-21s

The player, who stars for the Dutch club NEC Nijmegen, has dual Dutch and Angolan nationality.

And that means he can still choose which country to represent.

The Palancas Negras of Angola have been keen to sign him up, but he has also played through the Dutch youth system.

"I always have it as an option, time will tell," he told the BBC.

"I haven't made the choice yet because I'm young and can still play for the youth teams in Holland," he said.

But time is running out for the 20-year-old, because under Fifa regulations he must make a final choice by the age of 21.

His birthday is in September.

"My roots play a part, but whilst my mother and family give me advice, they will respect the final outcome", he said.

Nevertheless the midfielder, who has played for the Dutch under-21 side, has been keeping a close eye on Angola as they prepare to host the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

"I saw them playing at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and recently at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, I enjoyed the matches, especially Ze Kalanga and Maurito," he told BBC Sport.

"I have an Angolan friend at RKC Waalwijk, winger Luwamo Garcia, who has already decided to play for them.

"He has been selected a few times, but hasn't made his debut yet.

"We often speak about the national team and what our role could be in the team.

African football is improving with more and more players at bigger clubs Dominique Kivuvu

"I have never visited Angola but I will if I decide to play for them."

Kivuvu grew up in the Dutch capital Amsterdam but was often surrounded by African culture.

"My mother raised me with African culture; she thought that was an important part of my personal development," he explained.

Kivuvu has his African football heroes too: "I grew up watching George Weah. He scored so many goals and played so well.

"He wasn't my only hero; footballers that played or are still playing in the same position as me, like Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira, are players with skills I admire a lot.

"They also have African origins and are therefore an example for me.

"African football is improving with more and more players at bigger clubs.

"The experiences they have in Europe, they take back to their countries and teach it to young players. I see Europe as one big football academy."

Dominique Kivuvu is already making his mark in Europe.

We will find out soon enough whether he chooses to make his name in Africa too.