Cameroonian right back and outgoing Standard Liège defender Fai Collins, is being celebrated today for being one of the most reliable defenders in Cameroon’s national soccer team – the Indomitable Lions, and to those looking from the outside, his story of glory seemed to have happened overnight. However like any other person with a story and who rose to the top, Fai’s story will not only interest you, but will surely inspire you.
For most people who knew Collins when he was still playing in Cameroon Elite One on the rough pitches across Cameroon in Central Africa many will attest that he was promising soccer player, and would give his all even in normal games. Popularly called “Petit Pro” back in the day by his peers, Fai Collins who came from a soccer family, followed his older brother Gillette’s footsteps.
Fai Collins Brother
Collins played several times with Gillette before his brother’s career regressed, due to mental illness. Talking about talent, his older brother, Gillette was made for greatness. He was one of the shining stars that the Northwest Region had back then. He was labelled Ronaldinho, by many people.
Gillette went as far as signing for the Cameroon Elite One Leaders at the time, Cotton Sport de Garoua. This was him at his career peak. Gillette was not just a good dribbler, but a great entertainer. He would do all sort of things with the ball on his feet. Somewhere along the line in his career, Gillette developed mental illness, which was considered quite mysterious at the time and that’s where Gillette’s career went downhill at just his prime and took a turn for the worse.
If wishes were horses, Collins older brother would be playing in a top European club, like many others by now. According to many sources, Gillette was flown to Asia for his treatment and even when his health was not stable, he was still playing soccer because he was passionate about the whole thing. Today, Gillette’s mental health might not be fully restored though he said to be doing okay now and fully recovering.
With Gillette’s career going downhill, Fai Collins would fill his brother’s shoes and would set the pace for his own career. Collins played for Young Boys Academy, Njalla Quan Sports academy, Union Douala, to list a few.
How Fai Collins Filled His Brothers Shoes
In 2012, he signed for Romanian club, Dinamo Bucaresti, later moved to Belgium, where he signed for Standard Liège. With the Club, Fai won two honors with the club in 2015/2016, 2017/2018 league seasons. Collins in the process, merited a call up by the Cameroon National team, and he went straight to with his first international trophy (The African Nations Cup, in Gabon 2017)
While his place might not have been fully secured, Fai didn’t sit back and relax despite his success in 2017, as he immediately cemented his position as first choice in the Lions Den.
Here he is, leading the Lions to the 6th trophy, should everything go well for them in theirs semi final match against Egypt. After the AFCON competition, Fai will be jetting toSaudi Arabian club Al-Tai where he recently put pen to paper for the Saudi outfits.
Fai Collins Ngoran, now pseudonym, dependable Fai, at 29, still has a lot lot offer to both his club and the indomitable Lions. As a matter of fact, it’s fair to say that Fair turned his brother’s predicament to joy by sacrificing all for his career.
Photo of Fai and his brother, Gillette via @nshingtv. Image taken during a match in Bambili in Bamenda, Cameroon
