World Cup 2010: Cameroon gets rough start

The road to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is open. Last Saturday, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon drawn in group A began their campaign with a 0 - 1 defeat against the Hawks of Togo in Accra. Though the defeat was no surprise to book makers, it however re-ignites the mounting problems that plague Cameroon football and calls for a cross examination of the role of the different actors in order to seek long lasting solutions.

The first of these actors is the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, where it is imperative for constant consultation between the Ministry and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), with regards to the day-to-day management of football affairs in the country. It is also important to cut down the huge delegation that usually accompanies the Lions during matches. This would not only reduce expenditure, but will create some serenity within the environment of the squad. Experience has shown that during matches, some officials accompany the Lions for safari trips. The administrative directors of the national team should play thier roles as stipulated by the text appointing them and not mingle in the selection and publication of list of players. To avoid situations where some journalists especially those from foreign media move freely into the players hotel rooms, when they are supposed to be resting, it is necessary for the Minister to appoint a bilingual press officer for the Lions.
In the same light, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), should be more professional in handling issues concerning the Indomitable Lions. At the start of a deceive phase of qualifiers like the 2010 World cup Campaign, it is absolutely necessary for the team officials to spell-out the different match bonuses. What will each player take home in case of victory, draw and defeat. This is to motivate the players and create a high spirit of competition amongst them. Furthermore, test matches with viable partners are indispensable.
After the 2008 African Nations cup, it was clear (even though the Lions played finals) that because of numerous lapses in the selection and training of players, the present technical staff can’t take the Lions to the World Cup in South Africa. Thus, a commission was put in place under legendry striker Roger Milla. Though the final proposals of the commission ended in the drawers of some officials, it is now time to get them out and start implementing. Without any fast action, the hand pick of players on monetary, tribal and bases of nepotism will continue to destroy football in the country.
Players called up to the national team should know which role is theirs. It is not because they have played for long in the national team or are star players that they should be allowed to intrude in the selection of their team mates. The national team belongs to each and every Cameroonian. The system of network selection installed within the national team by some coaches, players and administrative officials should be dismantled. Selection should be on merit and nothing else. Once in the national team, players must put in their best. Players who feature regularly in their clubs should be selected and not those who warm reserve benches. These are just some of the major challenges that needs to be examine and action taken if the Lions wish to be in South Africa next year for the 2010 World Cup.

Source: Cameroon Tribune