As the dust raised by the Confederations tournament settles, the main actors have started reaping the fruits of their endeavours. Samuel Eto’o Fils, Geremi Njitap, Modest Mbami, Djemba and others are today selling like the proverbial hot cake.
European clubs are tumbling over each other in the demanding market of talent purchase. Sometimes there is a clash of interest between two or more clubs and a player is faced with a problem of choice. Eto’o Fils had numerous options within and beyong Spain, but at one point or the other a decision has to be taken. Valence, Manchester United and others with the luck to acquire the services of the Lions, will have no regrets. Although the forces of demand and supply define the price, the market value of the Lions is usually below their intrinsic qualities.
The role of the national team in the promotion of the career of its members has once more been brought to the forefront with the current hot pursuit of Lions after the Confederations tournament. When a team performs better in a high profile event, the professional prospects of the individual players are enhanced. The market value of members of that squad moves upwards. The Teranga Lions after World Cup Japan/Korea got a higher quotation within the football market. That of the Indomitable Lions during that period, took a nose-dive. Mboma and Njitap for instance floated as a result. This time around, the tides are changing for the Indomitable Lions. Inspite of the tragedy of Foe’s untimely demise, the Lions dismantled the speculations of bookmakers and came close to lifting the Confederations trophy.
In their current form, the Indomitable Lions as a team and as individuals remain a force to reckon with in World football. After lifting the Olympic gold in Sydney and playing the final of the Confederations tournament, the sky now appears to be the limit. Individually and collectively, the boys are set to go places given the appropriate environment and logistics. With top rate clubs now recruiting a good number of them, both the national team and the individual players are bound to reap benefits. A good player may not lack a team but he requires a reputable team to get the appropriate rewards for his natural endowments.
Emmanuel TATAW
