By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The 2024 edition of the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC) is currently underway, marking its 12th year. Despite facing challenges over the years, the competition has remained steadfast in its mission to identify and promote young talent from the division.
Serving as the driving force, the competition has helped foster unity, social cohesion, and entertainment. Since its inception in 2007, the BSFC has achieved significant milestones, overcoming numerous obstacles but much still need to be done.
Apolitical by nature, the competition has strived to bridge social divides and reunite a division once peaceful but now torn by socio-political crisis. The previous edition undoubtedly inspired, unified, and promoted social cohesion in different forms.
Many individuals have seen their dreams realized through sports, education, and a deeper understanding of community thanks to BSFC.
“I am so grateful to the initiators of this competition because it has given us internally displaced people a new perspective on life after experiencing so much trauma. During the competition, I feel like I am back home,” Mary said.
For Elen Jaika, the participation of all three tribes in the Bui Division is a powerful symbol of unity.
“The feeling about this competition is pure happiness. Seeing this happening brings me joy because there is strength in unity. Witnessing the three tribes (Nso, Oku, and Noni) playing together and participating in various activities speaks volumes,” Elen Jaika said.
Between 2012 and 2016, Oku and Noni participated in the competition. Oku’s team, Kilum Bees FC, was crowned champions in 2014, defeating Royal Olympic of Kikaikom (champions of the 2013 edition) in the finals. Noni FC also came close to winning the trophy.
In 2024, the enthusiasm and atmosphere have remain unchanged but with a broader sense with the continuation of fostering unity and promoting young talent from the division in diverse fields. With eight teams participating in the ongoing BSFC 2024, sons from all three tribes are involved in the competition.
The spectacle is unique, and the zeal for unity is overwhelming as everyone plays their part in promoting social cohesion.
“This year’s edition is very special to me because we have exceptional talents. The atmosphere is also unique as everyone is speaking the same language: peace is the only way forward,” Peter Chika, a spectator said.
From artistic displays to athletic achievements, the sons and daughters of the division are greatly benefiting from this fan-funded competition, a situation that has been since its inception. Many participants are involved in sports management, coordination, refereeing, commentary, and responsible etiquette, which will significantly enhance their resumes. Time management and fair play are also emphasized.
Many sons of the division have participated in the competition and gone on to play in prestigious football leagues both domestically and internationally. Some of them have even represented Cameroon at the junior and senior levels, fulfilling one of the competition’s primary objectives since its inception in 2007.
While individuals in various roles work tirelessly to ensure the competition’s success, their efforts indirectly and directly inspire others. Young ball boys and girls are not exceptions, as some are inspired to follow in the footsteps of their older peers and find joy in participating.
As the competition continues, the untold story is still unfolding. The BSFC is truly a community-driven sports initiative dedicated to peace and development.
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