Samuel Eto’o’s emergence as the FECAFOOT president has raised the hopes of many Cameroonians and the youth in particular. In a country where electoral transparency is highly questionable and the youth are denied access to leadership positions, such a victory for a young man with a humble beginning who has made a name thanks to the sport he wants to manage, is bound to raise some hope in a disappointed people. Inasmuch as there is jubilation, some concerned Cameroonians do not seem to believe that much should be expected from the change in power. There have been varied opinions on the phenomenal victory of one of the country’s legendary football players. As he now stands at the helm of the Cameroon Football Federation, expectations are high. We compiled some of the reactions for you.
What just transpired at the Congress Hall is a vivid translation of the change we were canvassing for and a showcase for our juvenile prowess. It is not just a victory for Eto’o but a triumph over the castle of corruption built with the cement of our parents’ wisdom. The youth finally got to the zenith after dribbling the solid and corrupted defense squad headed by an old broom in the FECAFOOT national team.
For some time now, our legend has been castigated for investing in fraudulent business ventures and I’m happy he was given the ball to kick the last penalty. Wish we could use the method of voting in our upcoming national presidential elections. Someone should whisper to the winner to lead a delegation to Abdouramen to plead with him to let go and give him the chance to work.
Tatah Allen
It is a wonderful step to brace new blood at the top management of institutions in Cameroon.
Mkong Franklin
Everything about it is faulty. Richard Bona et al. [were] … humiliated because of double nationality but one [of them] is protected and runs for an election with double nationality. … There is no good that stems from injustice and a faulty foundation built on lies.
“Chest eux eux.” We are caught in making a choice between two candidates with proven leadership redflags. This is what the system has put us into — where the meritorious don’t even near the scene of play of such games. Either way, both of them just witnessed the system they participatorily crafted with a lot of betrayals that decorated it today. I sorry na CPDM [I pity the CPDM] and the politburo family of Njoya in the real elections; the fall of the fire party will be catastrophic.
Shame on the system and its cheerleaders. He is part of the system, he just tasted his own “mericine”. Though he is the best among the two bad choices, there is a total disregard for the rule of law as has always been the case. Banana Republic. The system is built for the high and mighty. Bro, keep eating your soya without bodyguards.
Lambert Binla
If there is one thing that unites Cameroonians, it is football and Samuel Eto’o is a symbol of it. His election as president of FECAFOOT decrypts the myth that leadership in our Country belongs to a geriatric lot. Cameroonians long for change in many aspects of governance and though FECAFOOT isn’t a political institution, the newly encountered change in power ushers in renewed hope for greater things to come. Eto’o’s love for his Country, his charisma and his innovative mind are ingredients for deep positive change that will benefit not only young aspiring Cameroonian footballers but lovers of football in the country as a whole.
Karen Gibip
Like the typical Cameroonian Cameroon had made me become, I did not see Eto’o winning this election. Well, I’m glad I was wrong.
He won! We now have a seasoned footballer, a young man, and a new kind of mindset at the helm of FECAFOOT. For once, the power of the incumbent didn’t stop the contender, in this triangle called Cameroon.
Congrats, Eto’o! Now, boy, lead and lead well!
Honore Fon
I’m so glad Eto’o won the election and now occupies the post of president of FECAFOOT. I think he is going to change the face of football in Cameroon since he is an experienced footballer who has or is managing a couple of football-related affairs. He is also relatively apolitical and a man of the people.
Mbiy Lucille
My opinion is that people who think Eto’o’s win carries any historic significance thereby marking the start of an era of hope are either just emotional, delusional or don’t know where they find themselves. Someone says time should tell us… However, I am more concerned; do you know the government of Cameroon once bought 15 cars for 46.66 million each to promote bilingualism?
Fon Noel N.
This was more than a simple football federation election. This is a race of hope for young people. This is a torchbearer for young Cameroonian people. Congratulations to Samuel Eto’o.
Valerie M. Viban
I think I followed this and the basis of Eto’o going in for this election is not biased… FIFA, the mother body of all football associations, recognises Eto’o as Cameroonian. It’s not about our country’s laws… An imperfect Eto’o has shown us that transparency changes the game and still, I believe the man is competent. At least he’s tried running his football academies (Cameroon and Gabon) and he’s influenced other academies in other countries. Not a perfect man, but a capable person!
The lesson from the election is that youths should take the challenge and fix this system. If we want change, we can get it. A change from a “corrupt official” to the new guy is better. Let’s judge Eto’o in this new office.
Gitenwi Calvin.
He has challenged the status quo and Football Mafia in Cameroon. His brilliant victory today over the incumbent President of FECAFOOT Seidou Mbombo Njoya is a win for the youths.
It is high time youths took up leadership positions in all sectors in Cameroon from quarter, village, Municipal Council, Regional Council to Presidency of the Republic.
Samuel Eto’o has broken the “curse”. For long, they told us that “Youths are the leaders of tomorrow.” Youths, finally, finally our tomorrow has come today. Samuel Eto’o has opened the door wide open for us all. This is a sign of good omen for young people in this country. If Eto’o can, then you too can. I see a new Cameroon in the making. It wouldn’t be business as usual. Congratulations Samuel Eto’o!
Aduh Francis Ngala
