Cameroon’s football scene saw a dramatic turn of events this week as Marc Brys was reinstated as head coach of the national team, following an apology from Samuel Eto’o, president of the country’s football federation (Fecafoot). This reinstatement comes just two days after Brys was abruptly replaced.
The saga began when Fecafoot appointed Martin Ndtoungou as interim coach on Tuesday night, following a heated exchange between Eto’o and Brys earlier that day during their first meeting.
Brys, who was appointed by Cameroon’s sports ministry in April, faced opposition from Fecafoot, which expressed “great astonishment” at the unilateral decision.
In a news conference on Thursday, Eto’o confirmed that the 62-year-old Belgian would continue as the Indomitable Lions’ coach, with crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon in early June.
“I apologise because during our first unfortunate meeting, there was a lot of emotion,” Eto’o, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker, stated. “The Cameroonian people are more important than us, and it is for them that we must work.”
The confrontation between Eto’o and Brys at Fecafoot’s offices in Yaounde was widely publicized, with videos on social media capturing the fiery interaction before Brys left the premises.
Eto’o, who has been Fecafoot president since December 2021, was also seen arguing with an official from the sports ministry.
Initially, a statement from Fecafoot cited “disrespectful comments” by Brys and “an outright refusal to collaborate” as reasons for his replacement.
The governing body announced that Ndtoungou would name the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde and Angola on June 8 and 11. However, with Brys’s reinstatement, it appears he will now handle the call-ups.
“Your mission is not an easy one despite your qualities and experience, but you should know that you will have our support,” Eto’o assured Brys.
Brys now looks set to lead the Indomitable Lions into his first international matches, navigating the latest development in the ongoing power struggle between Cameroon’s sports ministry and Fecafoot. The Central African team is currently leading qualifying Group D with four points from
two games, positioning them well for a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The reinstatement of Brys marks a significant moment for Cameroon’s football federation, as it underscores the delicate balance of power and the need for unity within the sport’s governing bodies.
With World Cup qualifiers approaching, the focus will shift from administrative disputes to on-field performance, with Brys at the helm guiding the Indomitable Lions.
Eto’o’s public apology and commitment to support Brys illustrate a step towards reconciliation and stability within the team.
For the fans and players alike, this move is seen as a positive development, bringing back an experienced coach to lead the national team through a critical phase of their World Cup journey.
As the Indomitable Lions prepare for their upcoming matches against Cape Verde and Angola, all eyes will be on Brys and his ability to steer the team to success.
The collaboration between Fecafoot and the sports ministry will be crucial in ensuring that the team remains focused and prepared for the challenges ahead.
In the wake of these events, Cameroon’s football community can now look forward to a more unified approach, with Brys’s reinstatement serving as a testament to the resilience and passion that drive the nation’s sporting ambitions.
Photo: BBC Africa
