By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Wednesday, September 7th, marked a crucial turning point in the ongoing conflict between the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP) and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) as the Prime Minister stepped in to mediate the situation.
Just as the Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, was meeting with players and the Sports Minister, the U-20 Lionesses were preparing to depart for Garoua.
According to sources, FECAFOOT had already replaced the Indomitable Lions squad due to the absence of several called-up players. The players were supposed to assemble in Douala before heading to Garoua, but they disregarded the FECAFOOT venue and instead went to Yaoundé.
Although details of the meeting at the Star building with the players remain confidential, sources indicate that Prime Minister Dion Ngute urged the players to be prepared to face Namibia in any stadium chosen by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
While the entire team selected for the AFCON qualifiers attended the match, reports suggest that the meeting was part of a series of discussions the Prime Minister has been holding since Tuesday, September 3rd, to address the ongoing venue dispute.
The source also mentioned that the one-hour meeting aimed to assess the team’s readiness, ensure they had everything they needed, and determine if the ongoing saga had affected their morale.
Speaking on CRTV’s 7:30 PM newscast on September 4, Coach Marc Brys stated that the team is focused on the game and preparing well. He stressed the positive mentality of the players and technical team, adding that they were ready to play anywhere, regardless of the situation or accommodation.
“We are not afraid; we don’t need anything there. We will play wherever we have to play and we will try to win the games. There is Garoua and Yaoundé, but we are not concerned with that. We are focused on the positive things and trying to get the three points,” Marc Brys said.
He added, “We have to be focused to play a good game, but it’s not natural that we win all these games. We have to prepare. We have to stay very close together, help each other, and trust and give all our confidence to this group of players.”
It’s worth noting that FECAFOOT, , had issued an ultimatum demanding that the players report to their assembly ground on September 4th or face consequences. Cameroon will face Namibia on Saturday and Zimbabwe later in the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON.
20
0
20
20
