YAOUNDE, 09/05/02- Indomitable Lions head coach, Winni Schafer says he has no sleepless nights because of the Lions. On the contrary he is sure the squad to the World Cup will be the best to attain the objectives. Schafer was speaking during the last press conference in Yaounde Thursday, before the team leaves Cameroon for the World Cup campaign Friday.
The coach spoke about the health of the players and the last preparation stage of the team. « I have talked to all the players and all are determined to succeed in the World Cup », Schafer assured fans.
Schafer said he had called the best players to camp. And in spite of two draws in warm-up games, Schafer was not worried about the attack line. « The players have demonstrated that they can create the chances, indicative that they can take the goals.
The most important thing now is for them to work hard during training », Schafer said.
The only problem for Schafer appeared to be Patrick Mboma’s persistent injury. All other injured players like Pierre Njanka and Jean Dika Dika are recovering. But Mboma has moved from one injury to another since Mali 2002 in February. This was confirmed by team doctor, Olivier Assamba. Schafer said he had until 17 May after the friendly against Denmark to decide whether Mboma will be part of his World Cup squad or not.
The Lions begin camping in Holland on 11 May before to Nakatsue, Japan beginning 18 May. However, Mboma, Lauren Etame, Patrick Suffo and Geremi Njitap will not start off with the rest of the team because of league commitments.
Skipper Rigobert Song also spoke in the press conference. He assured fans of their objective to perform better than in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. « Though all is not perfect, with my eight years longevity in the national team I claim that things are very find. The managers have made enormous efforts to improve on our work conditions and our attention is now focused on our performance in the World Cup », Song added.
Martin ETONGE
