By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The other day, a multitude of football fans gathered around a small, dusty football field, cheering on the players as they engaged in a competitive inter-quarter competition. The crowd was massive, with everyone seemingly at the top of their voices, coaching their respective teams towards victory. With every move on the pitch, the spectators shouted out the players’ names like ‘Eto’o’, ‘Mane’, ‘Ronaldo’, ‘Onana’—nicknames given to players based on their performances on the field throughout the competition.
One spectator exclaimed, “That number seven is a remarkable player, playing with finesse akin to Ronaldo. He exhibits great skill in front of the goal post. He is definitely one to keep an eye on.” Another fan pointed out a certain number nine and remarked, “He plays just like Eto’o. I admire players who hold their ground in front of the goal post. His style mirrors that of Eto’o.”
These discussions and many more occupied the minds of the fans as they passionately discussed the reasons behind giving specific players these nicknames. Some even suggested that such local events should be frequented by sports authorities to scout for raw talents that could potentially fill the gaps present in various national teams.
A stone’s throw away from this lively scene was another stadium where children, approximately 12 years old and below, were engrossed in a game of ‘Dima catch’. Observers from a distance noted the presence of raw talent among these young players. However, the attention of the crowd was predominantly focused on the adult game, with little regard given to the youth match. This imbalance mirrors the current state of football in Cameroon.
According to Cameroonians, youth football seems to have taken a back seat, with more attention and resources directed towards those who have already made a name for themselves in the sport. Going by them, there is a growing sentiment that the development of young talent is being neglected in favor of established players who are perceived to have “arrived.”
Peter Nasi is a football fan, “For the past ten years and more, football in Cameroon have been on a downward trend. This is because youth football which is the foundation has not been given the pride of place. Instead of developing form the base, we turn to those who are already shinning. That is not bad but youth football is the foundation.”
Peter Nasi, a football fan, expressed his concerns, stating, “For the past ten years and more, football in Cameroon has been on a downward trend. This is because youth football, which is the foundation, has not been given the pride of place. Instead of developing from the base, we turn to those who are already shining. That is not bad, but youth football is the foundation.”
Nathelia Fai on his part emphasized the importance of youth football, saying, “We have to make youth football a reality because for so long, it has existed only on paper. Youth football will allow a smooth transition from various categories to the national team. It will also address the issue of age cheating, where players falsify their ages to fit into a certain age group for football development.”
An official working at the National Identity Card production Unit in a Police Station in Yaounde highlighted concerns about age manipulation among players. He noted, “Priority seems to be given to players to freely adjust their ages. This leniency is not extended to ordinary citizens, indicating a disparity in treatment.”
Brian, a football promoter, raised the issue of age cheating prevalent in Cameroon’s football system, stating, “Team officials manipulate their players ages at will, and their identity cards are processed swiftly, within 24 to 48 hours. To me, they lack vision because before long, nature will catch them. This neglect of youth football is hindering the progress of our football system.”
Noting that youth football is crucial for the future of football in Cameroon, Brian stated, “Youth football is the key to the survival of our football. Building a strong football system starts from the grassroots. Embracing youth football will pave the way for greatness in our football landscape, similar to successful football nations that prioritize youth development.”
However, sports pundits advocate for the establishment of academies with comprehensive facilities to support football development. While the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, plays its part, football promoters need to be diligent in their roles to contribute effectively to the growth of football in the country.
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