Cameroon is looking to impress in Qatar for the World Cup, come November in a group made up of Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland .
Rigobert Song’s first 11 lineup for the jamboree isn’t obvious yet, but in as much as it’s predictable with some big and popular names in the camp, there are some new talents that have been called up by the manager.
However, one player whose snub didn’t fail to raise an eyebrow is that of the young vibrant Asante Kotoko and Cameroonian forward Frank Mbella Etouga who has been a household name in Ghana since he rose to prominence. With 21 goals to his name this season, and with his team currently top of the Ghanaian league with 67 points, there is no way he shouldn’t be getting a call up for the national team.
While Africans keep complaining about their brilliant talents choosing to play for other countries, it is paradoxical, because the ones who are willing to represent their nations are barely considered nor given the opportunity to prove their worth and patriotism.
Today, Cameroonians are regretting why they didn’t give players like Mbappe a chance to prove themselves, but we all know that the regrets only came because the wonder Cameroonian-French star is on top of the world now. If he wasn’t, no one would have cared.
After missing out on Mbappe and many other intriguing talents, is Song and his staff making the same mistake by snubbing a 20-year-old talent who’s evidently putting Cameroon on the map in foreign soil?
We all know that the Ghanaian league is one of the most interesting African leagues and Asante Kotoko has not only won their league 24 times, they’ve equally won the CAF championship twice, meaning this club has remarkable history and pedigree.
After being snubbed by Rigobert Song or should we say by FECAFOOT since they seem to have the final say in the selections, Frank Mbella didn’t hide his disappointment whatsoever, but he did try to bottle his emotions and not send out demeaning words, but the disappointment in his eyes was sure evident.
Frank is not just a team player, but a blistering, pacey and confident forward who will cause serious problems to many defenders. Should he ever choose to play for Ghana where he’s really loved or any other Country, Cameroon shouldn’t try to get him back because it’s obvious they don’t see him fit enough yet, but he’s a hungry boy who could be patient to wait for his time but some offers are quite tempting and irresistible by the way, especially when they’re coming from abroad.
The excuse for his snub will obviously be that everyone one can’t be called up at a time, but looking at football leagues globally, Mbella didn’t only deserve a first team call up, he deserves a first team start.
As it stands, he is attracting so much interest from French clubs and should he go to France, Africa might just be missing yet on another brilliant talent if care isn’t taken.
