Legendary Cameroonian striker Patrick Mboma has weighed in on the ongoing saga between Samuel Eto’o, the country’s football federation president, and new national team coach Marc Brys, with a cryptic remark that has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Mboma, who played alongside Eto’o at the international level, stated: “Marc Brys thinks he’s understood Cameroonian football by addressing himself to Samuel Eto’o. I can only deduce that he’s been explained things very poorly. I’m just saying, I’m not saying anything…”
His comments have been interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting that Mboma is subtly criticising Brys for his perceived lack of understanding of Cameroonian football culture and dynamics. Others have taken Mboma’s words as a defence of Eto’o, suggesting that the former Barcelona and Chelsea star should be treated with more respect as the head of the federation.
The controversy stems from a recent meeting between Eto’o and Brys, which reportedly turned heated, with Eto’o allegedly telling Brys, “Don’t talk to me like that. In which country do you think you are?” The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between Eto’o and the new coaching staff and has cast a shadow over Cameroon’s preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Mboma’s comments have added fuel to the fire, prompting reactions from other football figures and fans. A Cameroonian on X (formerly Twitter), Donatien Aime Ndjee Enack expressed his support for Eto’o, calling him “an icon” and urging other football legends to speak out against the perceived disrespect towards the federation president.
Junior LOMAMI, another Cameroonian on X, questioned whether Cameroonians fully appreciate Eto’o’s stature, lamenting the fact that some are “mocking” him. He went on to say that Africans “don’t deserve their stars.”
Eugene D’ pointed out the irony of the situation, highlighting the fact that while a Black manager would likely face significant hurdles in securing a top job in a European nation, a white coach feels entitled to “disrespect” a federation president in his own country.
Ransom Ngam, on the other hand, defended Eto’o, suggesting that the disrespectful attitude came from the sports minister, who allegedly instigated the confrontation. He criticised the minister for emboldening a foreigner to disrespect the federation president.
The Eto’o-Brys saga has undoubtedly divided opinion and exposed deep-seated tensions within Cameroonian football. Patrick Mboma’s cryptic remarks have only served to further ignite the debate, leaving fans and pundits wondering about the future of the national team and the role of Eto’o in its leadership.
