Who is behind gunshots that interrupted PWD Bamenda and Fauve Azur encounter?
The incident that occurred during the match between PWD Bamenda and Fauve Azur at the Yong Francis Arena on Sunday, February 9, represents an unfortunate situation, and only raises questions about who wants games to hold in the North West Region and who is doing everything possible to prevent the return of the Elite One matches to Bamenda.
The day 11 fixture was interrupted by gunshots which can now be used to justify the relocation of matches to Mbouda. It is not clear who the shooters were.
It only brings fear given that it is a crisis-stricken region, but it would also be good to consider the circumstance and what is at play among stakeholders.
Elite Two and Guinness Super League matches have been held in the region for years without any issue, but now it becomes a problem for Elite One games to be played.
In a statement released by PWD weeks ago, it was revealed that there is someone in a position of power that does not want matches to hold in the region though the name was withheld.
This is a clear attempt to sabotage football in the North West which has great potential. Clubs in the region like PWD Bamenda have lifted league and Cameroon Cup trophies and have a chance to do more in the right conditions.
When the federation asked clubs to choose where they would want their home matches played, Elite One clubs in the North West and fans were happy that football was returning to the region after the Mbouda Stadium in the West Region had been used for a long time as the home ground of the two teams from Bamenda.
It became problematic when the decision was reversed. YOSA had chosen to play at the Yong Francis Arena, while PWD Bamenda chose the Bamenda Municipal Stadium, though it was decided that both teams would use the YOSA arena in the meantime while works at the Municipal Stadium are being completed. The welcomed move did not last long.
Yong Sports Academy played just one match and games were again relocated to Mbouda, provoking an outcry by fans and the clubs. Returning to the Yong Francis arena after the protest, PWD’s home match against Fauve Azur was interrupted by gunshots in the second half on a 1-1 tie.
A statement is expected from FECAFOOT to address the situation.
