A meeting to evaluate the performance of the Indomitable Lions in Japan, chaired by the minister of youth and sports, Dr. Pierre Bidoung Mpkatt, attended by officials of the Cameroon football federation (FECAFOOT) and players, has identified the causes of the Lions’ showing in the World Cup and proposed solutions to the problems faced.
The team failed to qualify for the second round of the World Cup finals, against the high hopes of officials and fans.
The meeting concluded that the disappointing result was caused, amongst other things, by the indicipline of players, poor selection of players into the team and inadequate administration of the team.
The players were blamed for their strike action in Paris, which was the immediate cause of the poor results. And Geremi Njitap found it hard to explain to the meeting why they went on strike. He said their action was motivated by a change of mode of payment.
« We were proposed cheques, while we requested for cash as we had always been paid. We wanted cash because we had to leave money behind for our families », he said.
Geremi also pleaded for forgiveness from the fans because of the disappointment caused.
« We are not mercenaries as some are calling us. We love our country and we are always proud to defend the colours. It’s also our job to play. We too were disappointed with the results which went contrary to our personal objectives. Hope we have learnt our lessons so that in future we don’t commit similar errors ».
That the team and its administration be restructured, a code of conduct for players be drafted and applied, a renewal the coaching staff of all teams from the provincial to the national level and the application of a proper medical method to determine the ages of players were amongst the several recommendations of the meeting.
FECAFOOT was represented by vice-president, David Mayebi and secretary-general, Jean Rene Atangana Mballa.
Only three players of the World Cup campaign attended. Patrick Suffo, Geremi Njitap and reserve goalkeeper, Carlos Idriss Kameni.
M. Etonge
