African champions Cameroon were welcomed by the
Fujiyoshida Town Council at a special ceremony on Sunday.
Apart from Patrick Mboma, who was with his family at the hotel, the entire Cameroon delegation – including sport minister Bidoung Mkpatt – were present.
There was an exchange of speeches and traditional drumming was the treat from the host town during the 90-minute long ceremony.
Schoolchildren waving Cameroon flags and other citizens of the town were at the FIT Resort Arena amidst heavy security.
At the end of the occasion the Cameroon delegation were presented with a local festive cloth called the « hapi ».
On the back was inscribed in Japanese « fukugsu-no raion » – Indomitable Lions.
Cameroon will camp at the FIT Resort Hotel, which is less than 10km from the foot of Mount Fujiyama, the highest mountain in Japan.
The team rested on Sunday, but training will resume on Monday in preparation for their next match, against Saudi Arabia in Saitama.
