The excitement is building up as the 2023 edition of Cameroon’s Ballon d’Or approaches.
The organising team, led by Frank Happy, the president of football development at FECAFOOT, is putting the final touches on the highly anticipated event.
This year’s ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow, December 16, at the Palais de Congrès in Yaoundé, promises to be a celebration of local talents who have significantly contributed to the growth of Cameroonian football.
Comprising 13 categories, the Ballon d’Or 2023 aims to recognise outstanding achievements across various facets of the sport.
It encompasses both male and female categories, including the Guinness League.
Nominees have been selected in categories such as the best goal scorer of the year, best goalkeeper, club of the season, best coach of the year, and referee of the season.
The nominees hail from teams competing in both the MTN Elite One and Two leagues.
During a press conference held last Monday in Yaoundé, Frank Happy, while addressing the media, provided reassurance that this year’s edition would feature numerous innovations.
One notable change is the lodging of all nominees before the ceremony, a move aimed at enhancing the overall experience for the participants.
“We have brought many innovations to this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, including lodging all nominees before the ceremony. We have also made it available to all players playing at the elite level in Cameroon,” Frank Happy affirmed.
The anticipation is palpable as Cameroonian football enthusiasts eagerly await the revelation of the winners in each category.
The ceremony will not only showcase the talents of players but will also serve as a platform for great clubs like PWD, Apejes, Bamboutos, Canon, Coton Sport, Fauveu Azur, and others to see which of their three players, submitted for consideration, will emerge victorious in any of the 13 categories.
This year has been a roller coaster for Cameroon’s football, marked by scandals, controversies, and opposition faced by Fecafoot under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o.
Against this backdrop, the Ballon d’Or ceremony is expected to reflect the resilience and achievements of the football community, setting the stage for the upcoming season.
