Cameroon’s German coach Winfried Schafer has confirmed that he has been asked to stay on as coach of the Indomitable Lions.
Despite Cameroon’s first round exit from the world cup Schafer said that he had been offered a two-year contract extension.
Schafer said he was considering the proposal.
He had previously hinted that a parting of the ways might be on the cards after the African and Olympic champions slid out on the back of a disappointing draw with Ireland, a narrow win over Saudi Arabia and then a 2-0 loss to Germany.
Schafer blasted poor preparation and a chaotic trip to Asia which saw the Cameroon team’s arrival delayed by more than two days following an alleged dispute over bonus payments and the absence of flyover permits for Southeast Asia.
« I am so angry when I see who is still left in the tournament. You get maybe twice in your lifetime a chance to go really far and thanks to our organisational mistakes Cameroon let this chance slip.
Despite his anger the players have pledged their allegiance to Schafer and he is also believed to be favoured by Cameroon’s Minister for Sport, Bidung Mpkatt.
The 52-year-old is thought to be seeking a four-year deal as he looks to blood a new generation of players with an eye on the 2006 World Cup.
He now intends to persuade several stars from the 1990 World Cup squad which became the only African side ever to reach the quarter-finals, to help scout for young talent and has also demanded more training pitches.
But Schafer wants to go even further than that.
« With regard to the 2006 finals we must find some 12 to 15-year-olds and keep them in the country. We must offer them incentives so that they don’t get conned by vague promises from agents.
« Then when they go to Europe at 17 or 18 the Federation can get some money in return which it can invest in improving its infrastructure. »
Schafer’s current deal ends on 30 June.
One factor in Schafer’s eventual decision on whether to take the new offer is the outcome of a presidential election on 23 June.
« I hope that Bidung Mpkatt remains minister for sport and youth. He has a heart for football in Cameroon.
