Dropped by former coach Vahid Halilhodzic ahead of the CAF 2010 Africa Cup of Nations for disciplinary reasons, the Sevilla midfielder contested fewer qualifiers than his standing perhaps merited. His four appearances all resulted in victories, though, Romaric weighing in with two goals during his 336 minutes on the pitch. Part of the Elephants squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, the former protégé of Jean-Marc Guillou at the ASEC Abidjan Academy now travels to South Africa desperate to silence his critics.

Fitness issues held him back this season after a successful first campaign in Andalusia, but Romaric remains a valuable squad member for Sven-Goran Eriksson, who may opt to exploit his understanding with club colleague Didier Zokora. Handed his first Côte d'Ivoire cap two weeks after making his Ligue 1 debut in August 2005, Romaric’s maiden international appearance came in the famous friendly against France that marked the international return of Zinedine Zidane. He is now a well-established figure in the Elephants set-up but still has some distance to travel before he can be considered a genuine fixture in the starting line-up.

Like many Guillou Academy graduates, the Abidjan native took his first steps in Europe in the Belgian championship, joining Beveren in 2003. His second season with the club marked him out as a genuine talent and he was snapped up by Le Mans, only for a car accident to spoil his first term in France. The following year was a success, however, with coach Frederic Hantz fielding him as a holding midfielder. Hantz’s successor Rudi Garcia then appointed him captain ahead of his superb 2007/08 season.

Technically gifted, physically strong and blessed with a fierce shot, Romaric is also a threat from set-pieces.