Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer is set become the latest World Cup casualty after government officials met with FA representatives in Yaounde on Friday and agreed that a complete overhaul of both provincial and national team coaches was required.
The meeting was summoned by the Cameroonian Minister for Sport Pierre Bidoung Mpkatt in order to pinpoint the problems that led to the Indomitable Lions’ disappointing World Cup campaign.
Mpkatt cited « player indiscipline » as a major factor behind the squad’s failure, although it is the coaching staff who are now likely to pay the penalty.
It is understood that the government chief has recommended for the entire Cameroon coaching team to be replaced, while the administrative set-up will also be revamped.
However, Cameroon’s failure to qualify from their World Cup group so soon after winning the African Nations Cup in Mali is also likely to have an impact on the domestic game, with Mpkatt calling for a re-organisation of the provincial coaching system too.
It was also recommended that, in the future, players’ ages are medically verified, while the organisation of domestic youth tournaments will be investigated.
All 23 members of Cameroon’s World Cup squad were invited to attend the meeting, although only three – Patrick Suffo, Geremi and Carlos Idriss Kameni – turned up.
Real Madrid wing-back Geremi spoke out on behalf of the team, and pleaded with the public to show patience with the national team. « It was a time for us to learn our lessons and find solutions to prevent similar errors in future, » he explained.
Cameroon drew with the Republic of Ireland in their opening match in the World Cup, before struggling to a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia and losing 2-0 to ten-man Germany.
