FECAFOOT’s communication head gives clarification on irregularities in Kampala

The head of the communication department of FECAFOOT, Jean-Marie Nkoussa, has addressed the troubles that the Indomitable Lions faced in Kampala, indicating that the public misunderstood the events that unfolded.

The stay of the Cameroon national team in Uganda for the AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe on September 10, which ended 0-0, was characterised by several irregularities stemming from the FECAFOOT-MINSEP dispute.

Following the failed pre-match training session and the exclusion of Marc Brys’ assistant Joachim Mununga from the match list among other issues, Cameroonians had multiple interpretations which the FECAFOOT communication head has said were false. He spoke over the Douala-based sports radio station, RSI.

Nkoussa expatiated on the exclusion of Joachim Mununga from the match list, saying FECAFOOT had to submit a limited number of staff members. He pointed out that CAF required just seven technical staff members to sit on the bench.

“It was about a decision to enable the Lions play in the best conditions” he said.

“For the qualifiers of the AFCON, it is seven persons in total. The situation is less complicated when it comes to the World Cup, because there are 11 members of staff that can sit” Nkoussa explained.

“When you take the case of Cameroon, you had the head coach and his assistants, the goalkeepers’ coach, the team doctor, the physical trainer, and kinesitherapist” he added.

He said FECAFOOT was playing its role as the institution that CAF recognises and communicates with. He said the coach “did as he wished”, without acknowledging the federation’s role.

Jean-Marie Nkoussa indicated that the failed training session in Kampala was caused by the head coach. He said the tactician took the players ‘hostage’. “The players cannot decide not to train, but they were obliged to not do it because of the coach.”

The communication head said “manipulators” attached the failures to the federation.

Nkoussa disclosed that a new kit supplier for the Lions will be chosen “in the next few days.” He said the task remains the prerogative of FECAFOOT.