By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP) and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) have found themselves entangled in a fresh dispute over the appointment of a new national team coach.
The fresh but cold and silent war erupted following a communique that was seen online, signed by the MINSEP boss, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, appointing the technical staff of the Cameroon National Team, the Indomitable Lions.
In reaction, FECAFOOT has issued an official statement distancing itself and expressing great astonishment at this act, which, according to them, runs counter to the terms of Decree N°2014/384 of September 26, 2014, on the organization and functioning of national soccer teams.
These reactions from both MINSEP and FECAFOOT, two entities expected to work hand in hand for the common good of football in the country, have sparked debates as to what is happening.
According to sports pundits, FECAFOOT, as has always been the case, is supposed to propose the name of the coach after rigorous selection to the Ministry of Sports for validation. Pundits say, from every indication, the present situation seems not to have followed the right procedures, prompting or raising many questions.
According to Decree No. 2014/384 of September 26, 2014, on the organization and operation of national football teams in Cameroon, ‘Article 3.(1) states that, “The administrative, sporting, and technical management of national football teams falls under the responsibility of the Cameroonian Football Federation hereafter referred to as FECAFOOT.”
Sub (2) of the same Article states that “The financial management of national football teams is carried out jointly by the State and FECAFOOT on the basis of specific conventions and texts.”
Whether the rules were followed before the appointment of the new coach, there is much to talk about, given that this is not the first time that MINSEP and FECAFOOT have greatly disagreed on several items.
With this fresh battle, there are hopes that FIFA might not step in to say that the government is interfering in football activities. Meanwhile, the release from MINSEP indicates that Belgian Marc Brys is the new head coach of their men’s football team.
The Belgian tactician replaces former coach Rigobert Song, whose contract was not renewed after his two-year contract expired in February 2024. The 61-year-old has coached 15 clubs in his career, in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Indomitable Lions Technical Team Appointed by MINSEP
Marc Brys (Head coach), / Joachim Mununga (Assistant) / Giannis Xilouris (Assistant), François Omam-Biyick (Assistant coach 1), Ashu Bessong (Assistant coach 2), Dany Nounkeu (Team manager), Christophe Manouvrier (Fitness coach), Alioum Boukar (Goalkeeping coach), Germain Noël Essengue (Team press)
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