Tsimi Abdou Vincent, 21, was one of the fleet-footed attackers who propelled Kumbo Strikers into the limelight of African soccer last year. Currently playing for a Yaounde – based division III side A.S. Deportivo Alaves, he says he decided to leave Kumbo because of his ambition to play professional football.
He further intimates that the Strikers are having problems today because players quit the club to play in other clubs where they could be easily seen and contacted. He spoke to Douglas Achingale and began by naming the clubs he played for before joining Kumbo Strikers.
Before my recruitment in Kumbo Strikers, I played successively for PWD Bamenda, Canon Yaounde, Electsport Limbe, FOGAPE Yaounde and ASPTT Yaounde.
Were you a happy player while playing for Kumbo?
Yes indeed, I was. My stay in Kumbo permitted me to discover many things. It enabled me to reach and play the semi finals of the African Cup Winners Cup competition last year. This was a great achievement for me.
Financially were you comfortable in that club?
I can’t say I was financially comfortable because in Cameroon we can’t really talk of money when talking football. We play local football essentially to keep fit.
Kumbo Strikers are currently not finding their feet in the elite championship. What could you say is their problem?
The club faces problems today because players are leaving it. They fear that they would not be exposed if they continue to play for that club since the town (Kumbo) is in the hinterland. You know, players now prefer to play in clubs where they would easily be seen and contacted by bigger and why not foreign clubs.
Was that the reason for your departure from the club?
To an extent, yes. Every player has ambitions. Why not play for the national team or go professional?
So in which club do you now play?
Presently I play for A.S. Deportivo Alaves, a Division III side here in Yaounde. We are currently topping our league table and we’re very sure to ascend to Division II. I’ve had a provincial selection with the club which makes me a potential national team player.
Can one conclude that you left Kumbo for a 3rd Division club because you were not solicited by another big club?
No. When I left Kumbo, I was contacted by clubs like Bamboutos Mbouda, Sable Batie, Mt. Cameroon FC and even Opopo. But I preferred to go to Alaves because my manager wished that I stay in Yaounde. And I can assure you that my stay here is bearing fruits.
In what ways?
I’ve already been contacted by some clubs in Germany, England, Denmark, Bulgaria and France. All things being equal I’ll travel to these countries for trails soon. But if by some misfortune I don’t do so, I still remain at the disposal of big home-based clubs.
