Fans have been disappointed with Canon’s form. The failure of Canon Yaounde to clinch a semi-final place in this year’s Champions League is a painful reminder of the fact that no Cameroonian club has won an African title in 22 years. With four continental crowns and over 20 league and cup titles to their credit, Canon is the country’s most successful club and their fans are demanding a return to the glory days.
Those optimistic that the Champions League would spark their continental revival have been angered with their dismal form in the tournament.
Several supporters have blamed Theophile Abega, the club’s general manager, as being responsible for their worsening fortunes.
Abega, a former star of Canon and the Indomitable Lions, has been in charge of the club since 1996, following the resignation of businessman Eyebe Lebogo as president.
His regime has been dogged by negative publicity and plots by rival factions at the club, bent on ending his tenure.
Financial transparency
With players facing delays in the payment of their allowances, morale has been low, as only government subsidies enabled the cash-strapped club to honour its Champions League engagements.
The management of the club’s scarce resources has been a sore issue after Soleil Nyassa, their former administrative manager, said there was a need for financial transparency at Canon.
Abega stoutly defends his conduct
Nyassa claimed the club had not accounted for the funds received from international transfers and went on to say that money received from their partnership with Belgian side Lokeren – estimated at $20,000 – had disappeared.
But a combative Abega, who is proud of his achievements at Canon, said the claims of mismanagement are without merit.
With just four games left in the league, the club is in a straight fight with Cotonsport Garoua for the title, which, in Abega’s view, is proof of the club’s state of good health.
« Thanks to me Canon have all they need – a bus, an office and regular training camps [with Lokeren] in Belgium.
« It is not the first time people are working behind the scenes to remove me, but they have always failed and they will fail again this year, » he told the BBC Sport website.
But many believe the tide may be turning against Abega.
Unlike in previous years, when he did not need popular support to remain in office, the club must organise leadership elections in line with new Fecafoot guidelines.
The uncertainty of the process could usher in a new era at Canon.
By Martin Etonge
