December 11, 2021, has undoubtedly gone down into the history books, as a day that Cameroonian football was undeniably hit by a new breeze of change. Samuel Eto’o Fils beat former president Mr. Mbomo Seidou Njoya, to become the new president of Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
Since being founded in 1959, FECAFOOT has seen Cameroon as a garner five AFCON trophies in: 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017 respectively. The country though a five time AFCON winner can’t compare with countries like Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, in terms of infrastructure, as far as the professional local leagues are concern.
The country is going to be hosting the prestigious AFCON competition in January of next year, and the circumstances that led to the delay of this competition being played in Cameroon can’t be ignored. Of course, poor infrastructure and the slow delivery by contractors are a few of the issues that almost saw the country being stripped off the hosting rights yet again.
Cameroon, which can be labelled one of the most successful African footballing countries in Africa, has over the years been losing its credibility, may be to the rise of other African countries, but the governing body’s mismanagement, embezzlement, corruption and neglect of vital aspects that could have kept the country at the pinnacle of African football (soccer) can’t be ignored.
Before Samuel Eto’o could stand up as candidate for this year’s election, he had pledged his support for the outgoing president Mbomo Njoya, possibly because he saw Njoya as the right choice to enact change, but his expectations, just like those of other Cameroonians were not met!
With the popular saying that “If you want to see itdone properly, you’ve got to do it yourself” Eto’o saw that he has all it takes to not just govern the body, but give Cameroonian soccer a new phase of believe and revival. So does he have all it takes to power the federation to become more influential?
If I were asked this question, my answer would be nothing but “Yes!” The reasons are many and we’ll talk about a few.
• Eto’o Is a Fighter: Samuel Eto’o is one of the most decorated African soccer players of all times, and that didn’t come by chance. The former Real Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona, Inter Millan, Chelsea, Sampdoria, Anji Makachkala and Cameroonian forward became a soccer icon who rose against all odds, and his talent needed his fearlessness for him to accomplish all his did during his playing days in Europe.
Eto’o can be labeled as one of the few African soccer players to have fought against disrespect of the Africa and the black skin. During his time at Barcelona, Eto’o had always wanted the right the thing to be done, reason why he was never quiet when he and other African players were being treated awkwardly.
• Has a Mastery of The Old Manipulative System: Samuel Eto’o no doubt is one of the bridges between the young and older Cameroonian. He has tasted and swallowed the bitter pill of the old system. Being someone who values his reputation, Eto’o will do everything to standout.
• He knows the game better: Samuel had played for some of the biggest European clubs and was a winner with almost all of those countries. His achievements and experience as far as soccer is concern can not be overemphasized. Looking at FECAFOOT and how the local soccer leagues continue to disappear due to poverty and lack of proper sponsorship, there was always a need for someone who understood the assignment and someone who could attract international brands to invest in the local soccer. It’s obvious that Eto’o is that person.
• Eto’o Is Successful: What has been the biggest challenge in Cameroon that caused the country’s soccer system to outsource, has been corruption. One of the causes of corruption and embezzlement are obviously poverty. With Eto’o being one of the most successful African soccer player, with a plethora of business across the globe, the new president will have little or no interest in the football funds, though they say money is never enough, but it’s better to trust one who has it already than one who’s struggling to get it!
• He Never Gives Up: Mr. Eto’o is one of those patriotic Cameroonians who has had to deal with the unscrupulousness of the Cameroonian system himself. The new president, can fume at many of his investments that didn’t yield any profits afterwards. However, his divergence to invest in other sectors, like the health, shows that he still always wanted to invest but didn’t just trust the system. Eto’o’s win can now see him realize his dream of building a soccer academy for young Cameroonians aspirants. Local soccer leagues can smile at his appointment.
• International Influence: Not to smack the outgoing president of FECAFOOT, but as far as the game of soccer os concerned, Eto’o will likely cause more change than anyone in this country would. The moment he was declared the new FECAFOOT president, top soccer players, musicians and journalists worldwide did not hesitate to extend their satisfaction.
This is one of those moments that Cameroonian soccer and the country as a whole will get more exposure and this alone can already drive foreign brands to want to do business and partner with FECAFOOT, should doors be opened for that.
• A Youth Messenger : Though he’s been accused for being soaked into the old system by many, his win and circumstances that led to that win, is a message that youths can hold positions in this country, though the old folks won’t make it easy. Being one who’s loved by many and ready to speak for them, the youths can be positive about his win.
There are many other reasons to have picked Samuel Eto’o over anyone for this adventure. The aforementioned reasons are just some of the things and the powder that he’s got to drive change. In conclusion, Samuel Eto’o’s win is a wind of change in Cameroonian football, and this might just be the begining of Cameroon going back to the top of African football!
What are your thoughts on Eto’o’s election as president of FECAFOOT?
