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

The President of the Confederation of African Football is in Yaounde, Cameroon for a three-day working visit. Since the arrival of the CAF boss on January 13, 2020, in Yaounde Cameroon, many controversial issues have been brought at the limelight. The visit of Ahmad Ahmad is not greatly welcome. Many argue Ahmad has come to put pressure on Cameroon who continues to lag behind in terms of infrastructures. Others say he is in Cameroon to retrieve the hosting of the most cherished AFCON 2021. According to a press release, the President of the CAF is in the country for a series of crucial meetings with Cameroonian authorities. Ahmad is holding talks with members of the organizing committees of the upcoming CHAN 2020 and the 2021 AFCON to be hosted by Cameroon. It is expected during the visit of Ahmad to have clear indications on the exact date the country will host the African football cup of nations.  Major points on his visit will be unveiled to the press by Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, sports and physical education Minister on January 15.   By TimesNews2  

Team Cameroon lost the challenge against Kenya’s malkia strikers in a tight encounter of more than two hours. The Kenyan girls overpowered the lionesses of Cameroon in a 3sets to 2 (25-16, 23-25, 25-21, 23-25,15-11) giving them the advantage to seal their ticket for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. Christelle Nana and her mates, in spite of all the spikes and blocks, could not win their opponents who made use of better tactical strategies till the tie-break. The girls of Coach Jean René Akono, who at a moment showed signs of fatigue a gave all the best throughout this thrilling and decisive encounter. In the post-match press conference, the team captain of the lionesses admitted they made few mistakes due to lack of experience of some new players and maybe because of stress and pressure. She congratulated the Kenyan side and said they will compete as usual in their last game against Egypt. Mercy Moim, captain of Kenya said the win over Cameroon is more than a celebration for her. It is a historical moment, knowing the tussle they have in common while on the field. Both nations have shown their supremacy in the African continent as underscored by Paul Bitok, head coach of Kenya. Kenya registers 8 points while Cameroon 7. The victory of Cameroon’s team over Egypt on Wednesday 8th January will highly depend on the match between Nigeria and Kenya if the Malkia strikers fail to pick a good number of points on Thursday. By Elise Kenimbeni