It was a visibly satisfied Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe as he addressed thousands at the Nibung Practicing School Field on Sunday, 25 August 2024. Alahlieh FC, a dominant force in local football for two years conservatively, claimed the title once again, defeating Mbefi FC 3-1 in the grand finale of the 2024 Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament. This tournament was not just a celebration of football but a demonstration to the unity and progress within Bamenda III, driven by what Divisional Officer (DO) Ayuni Austin Sakah described as the "Development Trinity"; the synergy between the DO, Mayor, and the Fon of Nkwen.
"Development Trinity" handing trophy
The event was a display of sportsmanship, culture, and community spirit. The packed Nibung Government School field was filled with an air of excitement, as Alahlieh FC's skill and determination led them to victory, cheered on by an energized crowd. As the final whistle blew, the day-long celebration shifted into its next phase: recognizing the contributions and achievements of various participants, performers, and community leaders.
In his speech, DO Ayuni Austin Sakah praised the unity that had emerged between himself, Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe, and HRH Fon Azehfor III of Nkwen, hailing their collaboration as the driving force behind the progress in Bamenda III. He encouraged the youth to be civil as the celebrate across the municipality.
Fon Azehfor III, reinforcing this sentiment, called on the youth to embrace discipline and good moral conduct. He further announced scholarships for young people pursuing technical education, showing his deep commitment to empowering the next generation.
Mayor Fongu, visibly pleased with the outcome of the tournament, congratulated the teams for their dedication and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to supporting youth activities as part of its development agenda.
The day was filled with artistic performances, including electrifying acts from two popular Nkwen-born artists, Moh Lah and Ivy Africa. Their energetic performances during half-time and after the final game kept the crowd engaged and enthusiastic. Performers from the community of visually impaired also played a central role in the event, receiving standing ovations for their contributions, further underlining the inclusive nature of the tournament.
The festivities culminated in a colourful award ceremony where top performers and fans were recognized. The oldest players in the competition; a twin from Mbefi FC known as the "Sons of the King" and Tangie Collins of Tipper Park were honoured for their participation. Engaged fans like Ngeniform Veronica, Funwie Titus, and Harisson (Ice Cream Boy) were celebrated for their unmatched support. Traditional fan clubs also received praise, with Nibung FC being awarded Best Traditional Fans Club, while Olympic FC Teken was named Best Fan Club overall.
Best engaging fans recognized
Individual excellence was not overlooked. Waterfall FC of Menteh was named the Most Disciplined Team, while Ndonwie Maridin of Waterfall FC won the Best Player award. Ning Che of Alahlieh FC earned the Best Goalkeeper award, and the Highest Goal Scorer title went to Funwie Leonel of Alahlieh FC.
These achievements were made possible with the support of associate sponsors such as El Palacio Hotel and Snack, which hosted the award night party, and Dagao Group, which provided the trophies and medals.
As the sun set over Nkwen, it was clear that the 2024 Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament had gone beyond sports. It showcased a community united in spirit and vision, with the "Development Trinity" : DO Ayuni Austin Sakah, Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe, and Fon Azehfor III at the helm, driving the future of Bamenda III Subdivision forward with cooperation and inclusivity to progress.
By Bakah Derick
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