Winfried Schafer will find no problem keeping his hair in trim. In the two years that Germany’s Winfried Schafer has been the Cameroon coach, he has never spent more than three weeks in the country. Part of the conditions of his new contract oblige Schafer to make a home in Cameroon.
Up until now the coach has stated that since all the national team players are in Europe, so there is no point in him leaving his native Germany.
But at a recent meeting with sports minister Bidoung Mpkatt, Schafer was ordered to take up residence in Yaounde so that he could keep a closer eye on the home-based players.
The question that is on many people’s minds is: « Where should he live? »
Some fans think there is nothing that will meet his requirements, while others think Schafer is being prudent not bringing his family in Yaounde.
« Maybe he is afraid that the day we lose a crucial game we may assault him. So he should stay ready to move », one fan said.
Another suggested that Schafer should take one of the luxurious villas near Yaounde’s international airport, « so that he could eject himself easily in case of attack. »
Some real estate agents say they have some interesting offers to make to Schafer.
« There are many villas for rent and for sale. And Schafer is just the client we like because he is rich », said one.
Whatever houses are available, some supporters think Schafer is avoiding living in Cameroon because there is no restaurant specialising in German cuisine.
But he will be able to find plenty of European and African barbers shops to take care of his long hair.
Schafer can also go down-town to watch the popular non-official football tournament called the Bundesliga, named because of the respect many Cameroonians have for German football.
Martin Etonge
