By Emmanuel Wirndzerem Verdzeka
The Mayor of Kumbo, Donatus Njong, says he will discuss with stakeholders ways to step up efforts to enable Kumbo have a team in the prestigious Division One Football Championship in Cameroon. Mayor Donatus Njong Fonyuy made his position public in Kumbo during the official closing ceremony of the third edition of the Kumbo Traders-Mayors' Sports Competition on November 23.
Addressing spectators during the colourful event at the Tobin Municipal Stadium, the Lord Mayor commended the organisers saying the event was a showcase for local talents. He added the event was proof that Kumbo needs a division one team.
While pointing out that many football tournaments were also going on in his municipality, Mayor Njong Donatus promised he will urge stakeholders to work together to enable Kumbo have a team in the prestigious Division One Football Championship in Cameroon.
The mayor's promise has whetted the appetite of football fans in Kumbo who have recently been venting their frustration after Kumbo Strikers FC was relegated from the First Division to the inferior league some years back.
Congratulating the Kumbo Traders-Mayors' Competition organizing committee on a job well done, Mayor Njong also hailed the efforts of the various teams which took part in the competition. He added that their brilliant performances greatly entertained his municipality's inhabitants. "You are all winners", he said, indicating the competition's aim is to bring people together.
On the occasion, Mayor Njong Donatus joined the Minister of Sports and Physical Education to acknowledge the brilliant performance of the Milano Kumbo Sports Academy in national and international athletic events. Speaking during the first day he said it was delightful to read the congratulatory message from Sports and Physical Education Minister addressed to the academy.
Regretting that Kumbo Town has only two second division sides when compared to six in Bamenda, the Milano Sports Academy President, Justice Mbechkum Roland, urged the Kumbo population to rally behind football, support players and work with their mayor to promote sports. With two football clubs in Kumbo, Mr Mbechkum said this should not be a reason to divide football fans, but should rather unite them. "Let us stand behind any team that is representing the division," he appealed.
To match words with actions, Justice Mbechkum pledged to throw his weight behind Kumbo Strikers FC, if the team performs well. He acknowledged that being the first team west of the Mungo to win the prestigious Cameroon Football Cup in 2000, Kumbo Strikers FC had established a record that can never be challenged in the history of Cameroon football.
Fripperie FC won the football final of this year's Kumbo Traders-Mayors' Sports Competition after narrowly edging Beans FC, one-nil. Fripperie FC striker Nestor Wirdin scored the lone goal of the hotly contested encounter at the seventieth minute from the penalty spot. He was also voted man of the match.
In the female handball final, Tribute Handball Club confirmed their invincibility through an intriguing 7-6 win over Veteran PYC Handball Club. Trophies, medals, balls and cash prizes were awarded to winners and runners up. Consolatory prizes were also awarded to all participating teams.
Based on the important role sports plays in his municipality, Mayor Donatus Njong has promised to keep the Traders-Mayors' Sports Competition alive. He also underscored the need for young sportsmen and women, who performed well in various sports disciplines, to do same in the political arena in order to take over from today's political leaders.
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