By Mark Gleeson BBC Sport Online

For decades Africans have headed to Moscow to study but it is only in recent years that footballers have started the trek to the cold climes of Russia too.

The success of the Cameroonian defender Jerry-Christian Tchuisse at Spartak Moscow has opened doors for fellow Africans although the career of the Indomitable Lion now looks on the racks.

Tchuisse went to Russia as a student but showed so much prowess playing for an amateur team that he quickly found his way to Spartak Moscow, going on to feature in the Uefa Champions League.

He came close to becoming the first black player to feature for Russia after being granted citizenship but was sick when his first call-up came and then opted for his home country instead.

Impressive signings

Since Lokomotiv Moscow has also signed African players with the money they have earned from European club competition and have been particularly pleased with the signings of Nigerian striker James Obiorah and South African defender Jacob Lekgetho.

Lokomotiv lead the Russian league this year, which is played over the calendar year because of the extreme winter weather in the country.