Female Football may soon receive special attention in Bui

By Emmanuel Wirndzerem Verdzeka

Milano Kumbo Sports Academy officials have been called upon to promote female football in Bui Division. The special envoy of Cameroon’s Minister for Sports and Physical Education, Valentine Mofor, made the call in Kumbo on August 22 at the close of the third edition of Milano Kumbo-organised Summer Vacation Sports Competition.

Mr Mofor, who noted that his choice as the Minister’s eyes at the closing ceremony was not by chance, advised the academy to pay close attention to the development of female football in Bui. He regretted that no player from Bui Division was present in the country’s female soccer team, opining more opportunities could be opened for them if local talents are developed.

He thanked Milano authorities for promoting youth activities and promised to brief the Sports Minister about the situation on the ground. In line with his ministry’s policy, Valentine Mofor enjoined Milano authorities to give fair and equal treatment to all sporting disciplines.

Though the academy faces a number of infrastructural problems, its executive president, Justice Roland Mbeckum, said the presence of the Minister’s representative at the closing ceremony assured them these problems will be addressed. He noted talents had been detected during the competition and their follow-up is now needed.

He said in line with the competition’s objectives, they had succeeded to prevent youths from stealing, drug abuse and contracting HIV/AIDS. While lauding stakeholders’ efforts to make the competition succeed, he disclosed that Milano athletes will take part in any tree planting exercise Kumbo Council will organise as the academy has demonstrated its concern for biodiversity conservation.

The sports gathering, which lasted close to 2 months, gave youths the opportunity to show case their talents in a number of individual and collective sports disciplines.

In male football, Milan SP of Ndengev defeated Cheetah FC after post-match penalties. In handball finals, Tribute HC lost 9 goals to 10 to their ace challenger, Young Stars of Squares. In athletics, Cameroon’s Race of Hope senior female champion Yvonne Gwaya won the 42km-long Bui International Marathon Race ahead of The Race of Hope Junior Queen, Nadege Wirnkar. In the male senior category, Oumaru Sanda confirmed his athletic prowess over Simon Pierre, the son of the Legendry Queen of the Mountain, Sarah Etonge.

On the sidelines, tribute was paid to Milano’s late trainer, Sebastian Shey Fon, who the academy’s communication officer, Lionel Malung Malung described as a shock absorber, negotiator and someone who had spent most of his life promoting sports in Bui. Thirty-six (36) football players were equally selected into the academy’s soccer team.

Bui assistant SDO Ibrahim Shuaibu, Kumbo third Deputy Mayor and Bui FECAFOOT President,, among other important personalities in Bui, witnessed the ceremony.