YAOUNDE (Cameroon), March 27: When Samuel Eto’o won the election to become president of the Cameroon football federation, he jumped from his chair and punched the air like he might have done after scoring a goal at the height of a playing career that put him among the best strikers in the world.
But that celebration in December marked just the start for Eto’o, who has set himself the daunting task of rebuilding a broken domestic football structure in his Central African home country.
Cameroon’s national team is one of Africa’s most successful with five continental titles; Eto’o was on the team for two of them. Cameroon seized the world’s attention with a memorable run to the quarterfinals of the 1990 World Cup, led by charismatic striker Roger Milla. Many took notice of African football after that and Cameroon has gone on to play at seven World Cups, more than any other African nation. Yet at home, the last decade has been deeply difficult.
The national league has been bedeviled by interference from the government, allegations of corruption and unkept promises from football leaders. The league has been regularly disrupted, sponsors have deserted it – taking their money with them – and players have lost faith.
“I can’t list the number of players who have left football to do other jobs because they benefit nothing (from playing),” said Che Malone, a defender with Coton Sport, Cameroon’s national champion.
Enter Eto’o. It was a surprise when the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker announced he was standing as a candidate to lead the troubled Cameroon federation. It was a shock when he won.
Eto’o promised to fight corruption, promote women’s football, improve stadiums and other infrastructure, get fans back at games and – maybe his key promise – improve the lives of players.
Turning around the domestic game won’t be nearly so easy, or immediate. But the 41-year-old Eto’o has made a start, establishing a minimum wage for players in the top two tiers and enforcing rules requiring club owners to show proof they have enough money to pay their players and staff. Cameroon’s top tier is also back up and running again having kicked off on March 16. (AP)
