DESMOND EKWEME
As far as this writer is concerned Samuel Eto’O is the awaiting President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This isn’t sounding derogatory in any way to Patrice Motsepe, the incumbent President nor am I suggesting that Eto’O should take his place immediately…far from that.
But given the election of the FECAFOOT President into the Executive Committee of CAF in Wednesday’s General Assembly election in Cairo, Egypt, he is just a step away from becoming the president of the continent’s football governing body.
Eto’O was voted unopposed as the Central African representative. A development many applaud.
Eto’O is just the best description and or example of a round peg in a round hole. I’m sure South African billionaire businessman who is presently CAF boss will be wise enough to attach Eto’O to himself to guide him into record success and greater achievements for African football on account the ex-international’s experience and exposure.
FECAFOOT PRESIDENT
As President of Federation of Cameroun Football (FECAFOOT) he has brought immense changes in the development of the sport.
Part of these changes is in the area of welfare of players of all tiers of the national team and across both genders. He has attracted sponsors through his contacts and friends in Europe.
He has injected confidence into the domestic game as the players and coaches are given paramount attention by clubs and stakeholders. All these he will bring on board in CAF.
RECORD AND ACHIEVEMENTS
•Samuel Eto’O won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 2000 and 2002.
•He was captain of Indomitable Lions.
•He is the all-time leading goal scorer in the AFCON, with 18 goals in six appearances.
•Eto’O also played in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, where Cameroon won their first Olympic gold medal in football.
•Eto’O was named African Footballer of the Year four times, in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
•Eto’O was nominated for the Ballon d’Or nine times, the most for any African footballer.
•Eto’O won UEFA Champions League four times. Thrice with FC Barcelona and once with Inter Milan.
LESSON FOR NIGERIA
While our ex-internationals are busy backstabbing themselves, lobbying for technical committee membership of the NFF and appointments into clubs as coaches, Samuel Eto’O has pointed the way forward for them.
You must make yourself relevant by doing the right thing and standing by the truth. Kalusha Bwalya was Zambia national team captain, coach and FA boss at different times.
George Weah was captain of Liberia national team. He won Africa Player of The Year, European Player of the Year and World Player of the Year awards while playing for AC Milan.
He stepped boldly into politics and emerged President of Liberia. It is on these premises that Eto’O marched into recognition to lead Cameroun football and now looking ahead to do same with African football in CAF some day.
This is wake up call and huge challenge to our ex-internationals whose body language suggests that they’re literally sleeping while their contemporaries are working and walking their way to the top. Who wouldn’t pray or wish that Eto’O is a national of his country?
Eto’O didn’t just get here without challenges. Last year a campaign of calumny was launched against him. He was even stopped from contesting this election but he had to apply the decision to halt him…and just days to the election he got an all clear nod.
You must fight for what belongs to you. You cannot fold your arms and be a bag carrier to persons who have nothing to offer our football. You must make your experience count by bringing it to the table.
You cannot abandon football in the hands of persons who didn’t kick an orange. Football gave you all you have therefore, it is only natural that you give back to the sport by getting involved at the highest level. He who feels it, knows it best.
Congratulations Eto’O. More feathers to your cap….more grease to your elbows.
