It was a thrilling match, but ingredients of our rich cultural heritage and animating skills were not left out. If there’s any moment of the year when Cameroonians exhibit their love for football and display their cultural heritage, it is certainly during the Cup of Cameroon Final.
And tradition was respected yesterday before, during and after the thrilling encounter between Mount Cameroon FC of Buea and Sable de Batie. Even before the encounter kicked-off, numerous traditional dance groups drummed, sang and danced to entertain those who answered present.
Expectedly, these dance groups came mainly from the South West and West Provinces. But other provinces were not left out. For instance, the famous Mr Ngando was conspicuous with his dance group from the Littoral Province. Waving a Mount Cameroon flag on which one could read (in bold letters) « Mount Cameroon, Fair Play », Ngando’s group displayed side by side with the « Ayanga » dance group from the Upper Sanaga Division.
True to tradition, the choreographic display, grouping more than 100 youths, left many searching for qualifiers. For more than 15 minutes, they kept spectators spellbound as they displayed their talents with youthful exuberance. Animated by the INJS band, these youths carried placards pregnant with meaning: « Behind President Paul Biya for more victories with the Indomitable Lions », SStop Violence and Corruption in Sports, » « Sports a Fountain of national Harmony », « Sports, Guarantor of Peace, Unity and Progress »… etc.
There were no tempers lost amongst the spectators of both sides, though Mount Cameroon carried the day. It was a day when football, culture and animation formed a brilliant trio.
Peter Efande
