Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

Ça y’est ! Cette fois c’est parti … Du virtuel au réel, la mascotte définitive a été dévoilée. TARA portera désormais avec fierté son dossard “237” pour permettre à l’événement sportif qu’abritera sa terre natale dans quelques semaines, d’avoir une coloration particulière.   Tara est donc ce symbole attrayant pour cette fois, qui permettra de rapprocher davantage les fans à l’événement. Après avoir investi énormément en terme de milliards pour la construction des infrastructures et la préparation, vient toujours le moment de penser aux retombées des dites compétitions. Si cela n’est pas fait au préalable, alors il faut croire tout de suite que l’événement organisé sur le plan économique sera un échec cuisant. Le sport et le football ne charrient  pas seulement beaucoup de passion et d’émotions. Mais aussi beaucoup de revenus. Pour cette raison, la mascotte qui devient la marque ombrelle de l’événement doit être non seulement un symbole puissant de visibilité, mais aussi le premier symbole économique et de rentabilité à travers des produits dérivés donc les canaux et les mécanismes de production et de distribution devraient respecter les normes nationales et internationales. Le pays devenant une destination incontournable avant et pendant l’événement, ces détails oh combien importants devrait être pris en compte. Pour y parvenir, réussir à brasser des revenus substantiels avant, pendant et à l’issue de la compétition, il faut indubitablement associer des structures expertes dans des questions marketing événementiel et sportif. Autrement dit on risquerait bien d’assister au même spectacle qu’en 2016 où aucun bilan financier officiel sur les retombées économiques de la CAN n’a été publié.  Peut-être  la contrefaçon dictera-t-elle de nouveau sa loi ? En utilisant illégalement #Tara devant une pléiade de fonctionnaires qui n’y comprennent pas grand-chose sur la question. Que anticipation soit faite et leçons tirées, pour  que la récupération d’une petite partie des milliards injectés puisse être amorcée.      Par Eric Moïse Nkouandou  

Hesterine Jannetje de Reus, technical expert within the framework of the UEFA ASSIST programme began a 10-day working visit in Cameroon. On Wednesday 15th January 2020, the first step of her working session was marked by an open exchange with the staff of the national academy of football (ANAFOOT). During discussions, the General Manager of ANAFOOT made a brief presentation of the objectives and missions of the 5-year-old academy. Carl Enow Ngachu equally highlighted the various programmes and training granted to young passionate footballers, video analysts, team managers, team press officers and sports’ journalists. FIFA expert questioned the staff on the type and quality of training offered to young footballers, coaches and local players both at the division one and two championships. Much is expected from the technical expert, former dutch player and coach well known for her sense of professionalism. The UEFA-ASSIST programme running for one year entails supporting and developing women’s football. UEFA ASSIST aims to increase solidarity and enhance football development to tackle the needs of national associations and confederations out of Europe. « Cameroon played in the world cup some few times ago and did quite well and we think it is a very good idea to get support from UEFA Assist to further develop women’s football in order to be more competitive on the international scene. We need to collaborate on how I can assist in terms of coach education, exchange programmes,» she said. Victorine Fomum, deputy Director in charge of the training centre in ANAFOOT said there is need to have assistance in terms of materials, programmes and reconvention. She added the fact that there should be a plan of action for young girls that grow with the desire to be football professionals and by the way ensure Cameroon can improve on her participation in world tournaments and go beyond the 8th finals’ stage. Apart from holding talks with the President of the Cameroon football federation, Presidents of local clubs, Hesterine de Reus is expected to move to Douala, Littoral region where she will follow some clubs on the pitch. An exhibition encounter with national players, division one matches, and a grassroots festival to gather close to 200 female players, age between 8 to 12 is expected to feature on the agenda of her working visit in Cameroon from January 14 to 24. Mrs de Reus’ visit comes just some few months after the putting in place of the Female Football League in Cameroon under the chairmanship of Celine Eko.     By Elise Kenimbeni

The highly awaited African Cup of  Nations will take place from January 9 to February 6, 2021, in Cameroon. The date of the competition was unveiled on January 15, 2020, after a CAF/Cameroon meeting in Yaounde. Visiting CAF delegates have been holding talks with Cameroonian football authorities since the 13th of January 2020. Many issues have been reviewed ahead of the two major jamborees the country will host as from next April. According to our sources, acting President of the Confederation of African Football said he is convinced the hosting of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon will be a success. Ahmad Ahmad has praised the engagement and determination of Cameroon’s Head of state in ensuring a smooth and befitting organization of the competition. The official announcement of the date of the 2021 AFCON breaks suspense and rumours around a co-hosting of the 33rd competition. Countries that will take part in this tournament will be known as from November 9, when the ongoing qualifying games will end.     By Elise Kenimbeni