By Bakah Derick
The football community and more across Cameroon have been celebrating the election of Samuel Eto'o Fils as the new President of Cameroon's football governing body.
Pictures have been circulating on social media from across the country as the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) got the new leader on Saturday 11 December 2021 during the institution's general assembly in Yaounde.
Pictures have emerged from funeral receptions that turned to bigger parties following the announcement of Samuel's victory.
The North West football community is part of celebrations In drinking spots, joints and homes. Their reactions center around the same issues.
"I think the victory of Samuel brings a completely new dimension to the way things will unfold not only in the region but the entire country. His victory brings a new impetus to our football. I am one of those who said from the beginning of this process that Samuel has a very juicy project for Cameroon's football and I believe with all the support he has at the beginning he is going to do something very significant for our football." Nji Nelson football writer said
'Samuel Eto'o's win as President of FECAFOOT to me represents a bright future for football stakeholders in the North West Region, For players and football lovers. When you look at his rich plan of action if implemented, the young boys who have been playing football with nothing to write home as finances are concerned will be able to make their families smiles. The investors will laugh whereas fans will be happy to go to the field." Sport reporter Neba Jerome observed
The region has no sports infrastructure especially football. A facility in Bamenda started since 2016 remains incomplete and private properties being used are in risky areas yet people still brave the odds to go watch matches. Samuel's win seems to inspire hope.
"At last a renouned footballer to manage football business at the helm. Therefore we count on his personality to engage into national and international partnership for the development of the discipline including sport infrastructure especially in the NW region that has been silent for so long. We have a football manager who is not coming to make money. He already has enough and just need more honor added to what he acquired in the various stadia across the world. Therefore the numerous fallout from the federation will serve the football and not individuals. Footballers finally have the opportunity to be recognized in their own country. The mobilization of almost all the former stars around the new president is clear indicator." Pierre Anoufack Sport Journalist and tourism promoter said
"I maybe too quick with my assumption but Eto'os win already represents a befitting stadium for me, taking into consideration the Northwest has five teams at the level of the Professional league without a playing field. Having a woman as 1st Vice President gives me hope that women's football will take a new twist because Celine Eko knows better than anyone that our female championships deserve same attention given to the male championship in all aspects" Wanchia Cynthia Journalists and Sports reporter said
"In the North West region, our case is special because of the context we find ourselves with. From what I know, I am confident the North West will be one of the first to benefit from the stadiums promised by Eto'o.... we also had time to discuss with the National President via a live video call and he said our stadium is coming. Samuel is one person who doesn't say what he cannot do. Bamenda will smile soon, that I am sure of." Nji added
In the last five years and counting, football is practiced under very tight security. An armed conflict has been a threat to assemblies with football inclusive. Divisional leagues have not been played for years. The regional played only in The regional headquarters. The local football leadership say insecurity has been responsible. With Eto'o coming reporters see some light at the end of the tunnel though can't say how.
"I believe we will have an improved regional championship and divisional championship in the region and youth football will also witness an improvement from what we had before." Nji Nelson.
In their pain, they celebrate with the hope that things can get better soon.
Eto'o won against incumbent Seidou Mbombo Njoya 43 votes against 31. He has already started work. The new FA President has met with staff at the FA headquarters in Tshinga Yaounde insisting work must be taken seriously.
He has received congratulations from footballers, world leader and media owners and businesses with promises for collaboration.