Many Cameroonians are praising Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), for insisting on the selection of young women from the northern city of Garoua to serve as hostesses for the upcoming match between Cameroon and Burundi that will take place tonight.
According to Balafon radio during their morning show “sacré matin,” Eto’o’s executive team had earlier proposed to him that girls from Yaounde and Douala, the two largest cities in Cameroon, be recruited for the job. However, Eto’o is alleged to have rejected the proposal, saying that there was no reason why girls from Garoua could not do the job just as well.
“Why girls from other regions and not Garoua?” Eto’o is reported to have asked. “Are girls from the North or Garoua animals? Can’t they be hostesses too? Why pick girls from far away when we have ladies in Garoua that will do the hostess job very well?”
Eto’o’s decision has been met with widespread praise, with many people commending him for his transparency, inclusivity, and generosity.
“This is a great gesture from Eto’o,” said one social media user, Giresse Legrand. “It shows that he is a man of the people and that he cares about all Cameroonians, regardless of where they come from.”
Another user, Marcelle Leukam, said: “This is the kind of leadership we need in Cameroon. Eto’o is setting a great example for others to follow.”
“This is a breath of fresh air. It’s so refreshing to see a leader who puts the interests of his people first.” – Twitter user @Arnaudprince
“Eto’o is a true patriot. He is always looking for ways to help Cameroonians,” Facebook user Lamou Noukou
“This is a great example for young people. Eto’o is showing them that it is possible to achieve great things if you are willing to work hard and never give up,” Instagram user Junior Wizzo.
Eto’o’s decision is a welcome one, and it is a sign that he is committed to promoting equality and fairness in Cameroonian football. It is also a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a big impact.
The match between Cameroon and Burundi will take place today, September 12, in Garoua. It is one of the final matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which Ivory Coast will host in January 2024.
