Just what is Cameroon’s magic?

Feb 11, 2002

By the time I penned these lines, the African Nations Cup champion was yet to be decided.But, even then, newsroom deadlines could not stop me from declaring the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon the best team of the tournament.

By James BakamaBy the time I penned these lines, the African Nations Cup champion was yet to be decided.But, even then, newsroom deadlines could not stop me from declaring the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon the best team of the tournament.Cameroon have maintained their stature since the heroics of 1990 and can match the very best on the world on a good day. Conditions in Yaounde are not different from those around the continent. Just how is it that they have kept at the top?Talk of scandals at national federation level, and you will realise that Cameroon FA is not very different from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations.It is only this time that the west Africans have not been embroiled in the traditional problems of inadequate funds, coaching problems and player strikes. A classic example was before the 1998 World Cup when the Lions travelled to Europe minus passports?A glimpse into the west African state’s history unveils more confusion. It was briefly a German protectorate before transforming into one of those rare dual colonial set ups under Britain and France.The effects of colonialism are thus still felt. In Bamako, African Nations Cup organisers had to hurriedly re-design the wording on the trophy after anglophone countries complained about the sole use of French.Mali has also not been all smooth for Paul Biya’s boys. Coaches Winfied Schaffer and his assistant Thomas Nkono were after the semi-final banned from the bench.But, in what has grown into Cameroon’s trade mark, the Indomitable Lions rose from the chaos to storm the final by blasting hosts Mali 3-0.So, what sets the Lions apart?.They are certainly skilled, but so are the likes of Nigeria and Senegal. Cameroon’s strength sprouts from rare patriotism which in Mali had them as serious as ever while the likes of Nigeria seemed to be on holiday.It’s the kind of attitude, which if backed by proper planning, could in the next African qualifiers prop Uganda past Rwanda and Ghana to her first finals in 24 years.jbakama@newvision.co.ug

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