At the head of the Cameroonian football federation (Fecafoot) for three years now, Samuel Eto’o has other ambitions. According to the local press, the legend surprised everyone by submitting his candidacy for a more important position than Fecafoot.
African football legend and current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), Samuel Eto’o surprised the world of sport with a candidacy for the position of member of the Executive Committee (Comex) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) . This announcement marks a turning point in his commitment to the governance of African football, three years after taking the helm of Fecafoot in December 2021.
Often seen as a man of challenges, Eto’o seems determined to extend his influence beyond Cameroon’s borders. In this race for Comex, the former Blaugrana will have to face a well-known opponent: Seidou Mbombo Njoya, his predecessor at the head of Fecafoot. The latter, currently outgoing vice-president of CAF has some experience within the continental institution. But his candidacy could be weakened by past controversies, including a conviction for violating CAF ethics principles and a 6-month suspension by FIFA.
Motsepe and CAF Advocate for Stability Bad news for Eto’o?
While Samuel Eto’o aims to join the Comex, Patrice Motsepe, current president of CAF, is for the moment the only candidate for his own succession. His leadership, marked by initiatives to strengthen the development of African football, seems to place him in a position of strength for a second term. If Eto’o manages to join the Comex, he could play a decisive role in CAF’s future reforms and projects, by bringing his vision and experience as a high-level player.
But at CAF, the time has come for stability. If the South African giant is the only candidate for his succession, Motsepe would like to continue with his team; which would compromise the victory of Samuel Eto’o against his compatriot Seidou Mbombo Njoya, right-hand man of the CAF president. In any case, Samuel Eto’o will have to convince the members of UNIFFAC and other geographical areas of his ability to represent the interests of Central Africa within CAF. His record at Fecafoot, although praised for certain reforms, was also marked by controversies and criticism of administrative management. He will have to demonstrate that these experiences have strengthened his determination and his competence to meet the challenges at the continental level.
Carinos Satya
Passionate about sport, especially football, I realized my passion by becoming a sports journalist. My professional ideal found its perfect expression within the Afrique Sports media, where I experience a harmonious union with my profession.