A head of this year’s ‘Oscars du football ceremony, the initiators of the project, Global football, has been explaining the concept and challenges of Cameroon’s unique football award event. Luther Martin Dongkeng, publisher of the football newspaper, Global football, organised a press conference in Yaounde last Saturday in which the dimensions of the event were exposed.
The first edition of Oscars du football was organised last December, but apparently did not get the puopularity expected. Oscars du football, offers 12 rewards to clubs, players, coaches, managers and companies which have sponsored football events.
Last Saturday, Donkeng explained the choice of the nominees to the different categories, how the points were counted by a special jury and the rules of the event.
Against general expectations, Donkeng strongly defended the position that cash rewards were not necessary for the winners. He said some sponsors were against the idea of rewarding the winners with the money. Instead the sponsors will gladly offer sports equipment and trophies to the winners.
‘Oscars du football’ concerns mainly the first division league. It rewards the best players, highest scores, best goalkeeper, best coaches, best club presidents, best referees and best young players.
However, it also rewards the best female players, the best player in the national Interpools competition and the best sports reporter. It is crowned with a fair play trophy that was won by Esperance Guider last year and a jury special prize that was lifted by FECAFOOT president Iya Mahamed last year.
Donkeng defended the choice of each category as some participants in the press conference strongly suggested that the first three clubs of the national division one championship should also be compensated.
A total of 778 voters are concerned with the operation, while the jury has only 15 members. The voters include players (150), club presidents (16) coaches (16), referees (50), journalists (20), officials and readers and spectators (500).
This year’s award ceremony will be organised in Douala on 20 December. Two football matches will precede the night of the award. The organisers hope that with this year’s campaign starting early, they will by December achieve the popularity the event deserves.
By Martin Etonge in Yaounde
