What future for Marc Brys in Cameroon amid deteriorating relationship with FECAFOOT President?

By Joe-Pavel Nyuysuliy – Sports editor

Marc Brys has two and a half years to lead the Indomitable Lions as head coach, according to the contract he signed on April 8, with Sports Minister, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.

In an unprecedented turnout of events, the start already projects much uncertainty about the Belgian’s future in Cameroon.

The heated confrontation between the coach and FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o, in June, which many felt had subsided, has continued to echo, raising noticeable resentment towards the 62-year-old.

His recent outing with the Belgian news platform DHNET.BE, raised concerns about his relationship with the FECAFOOT president, whom he has to work with as coach of the Indomitable Lions.

In the interview he heavily criticized the former footballer. He said apart from a successful football career, Eto’o has failed in every other domain; “As a coach, as an entrepreneur, and visibly as a leader,” Marc Brys highlighted.

Samuel Eto’o did not initially recognize the tactician when he was appointed, contesting the Sports Ministry’s unilateral decision to select the coach. He later acknowledged the appointment, but named his own technical and medical staff to work with the coach and his assistant Joachim Mununga.

The existence of the two coaching staffs has created a rift at the helm of the national team. The world football governing body has had to intervene, calling on the two camps to settle their differences to avoid FIFA sanctions.

Marc Brys has pointed out on several occasions that he answers only to the government that recruited him. For the past four months, he has worked according to the programme and instructions given by the Sports Ministry. However, FECAFOOT has maintained its stance regarding the activities of the government, highlighting the repercussions that may follow.