FECAFOOT Elections: Could Samuel Eto’o Really Break Politicians’ Domination in Cameroon Football?

Tomorrow December 11, 2021, FECAFOOT delegates will converge at the Yaoundé Mont Febe Hotel to vote for the next President of the Cameroon Football Federation.

Samuel Eto’o, widely considered as the public’s choice will face off with incumbent FECAFOOT President Seidou Mbombo Njoya in what is meant to be a tightly contested process for the top job at FECAFOOT.

Just like Joseph Antoine Bell did a few years ago, Samuel Eto’o Fils will be hoping to use his popularity and influence to get elected as the new FECAFOOT boss.

Nevertheless, being relatively new into this, many pundits believe the incumbent might just be a little more strategic than the former Indomitable Lions captain and will likely hold on to his position.

What are Eto’o’s chances?

As mentioned earlier, it is believed that Samuel Eto’o, albeit a very influential figure in Cameroonian football, might somehow get beaten in the race by Seidou Mbombo Njoya.

Nevertheless, an upset could not be far off as well as the legendary Number 9 has been gathering massive support for himself from some top personalities across the country.

He has also succeeded to gather maximum support from former Indomitable Lions, who have backed him to be the perfect candidate for the job. Samuel Eto’o Fils has been pictured with top individuals also like Billionaire Alhaji Danpullo and has also received blessings from traditional rulers of the Sawa people, in the Littoral Region.

Contrary though, Seidou Mbombo Njoya is believed to have worked more strategically than Eto’o Fils according to pundits. As of now, the incumbent President has already had the backing of delegates from 6 of the 10 regions of Cameroon.

In the FECAFOOT system, each region has a maximum of 6 delegates, indicating that Seidou Mbombo Njoya is already assured of 36 votes. This also means the 4 other regions might align themselves with Samuel Eto’o Fils, assuring him of only 24 votes before the elections.

What this means for Eto’o

Sports Journalists and Football Analyst Rene Katche in a report on his page broke down comprehensively Samuel Eto’o Fils’s chances despite being at the disadvantage in terms of delegates.

According to Katche Rene, Samuel Eto’o Fils will be hoping to gather maximum support from the Elite One Clubs, who have a total of 6 delegates. However, Katche also adds that one out of the six is a strong Mbombo Njoya ally, leaving Eto’o Fils with the daunting task of convincing the other 5.

The Elite two clubs will also have a huge part in the elections, as they have 4 delegates that could equally swing the votes in favor of any of the candidates. The Cameroon Referee Association will also play a part with its 2 delegates, the Coaches and Football Trainers Association with 2 delegates as well, and the Cameroon Footballers Trade With 2 delegates.

As of now, it should be said there is no clear-cut favorite to win the elections on December 11. Football lovers in Cameroon have nevertheless expressed their wish to see Samuel Eto’o take over FECAFOOT and change the dynamic of Cameroon’s Football.

It is a common notion with the Cameroonian population that football in the country will remain mediocre if it keeps on being handled by politicians rather than those who love the sport and are not in for financial benefits.