By Oni Ladonette Ondesa
Journaliste kick442.com
While interim coach David Pagou steered the Indomitable Lions through a demanding AFCON campaign and into the quarter finals in Morocco, it is the sidelined Belgian Marc Brys who has reportedly benefited financially.
Sources close to Kick442 say a stark imbalance has emerged in the distribution of bonuses. Pagou, who led the team from the touchline, received only his normal salary as an assistant coach. The performance bonus, close to 20million cfa , reserved for the head coach following qualification for the last eight was instead paid to Brys.
Brys remains on a reported monthly salary of 60,000 euros despite being absent from the dugout since December 1.In effect, the rewards of Pagou’s work appear to have been claimed by a man who played no active role in the campaign.
The situation is rooted in an administrative standoff. Because the Ministry of Sports never formally endorsed Brys’ dismissal by the federation, he continues to benefit from a contract that was itself signed without the federation’s approval.
The optics are troubling. Throughout the tournament, Pagou managed a team in transition under heavy institutional pressure. Brys, by contrast, acknowledged in several interviews that he did not follow the team’s matches and did not watch a single minute of Cameroon’s games. Yet he has emerged as the financial beneficiary of their progress.
Pagou, meanwhile, had conducted himself with restraint and professionalism, when questioned repeatedly about his uncertain status during a presser back in Morocco. He maintained that the interest of the nation came before personal concerns. Cameroon eventually bowed out at the quarter final stage, losing 2–0 to hosts Morocco, but the campaign restored a measure of credibility to the team.
It is not known whether the disparity in treatment has altered his position or outlook. What is certain however is that he has returned to domestic football, rejoining his club Coton Sport of Garoua, where he received a hero’s welcome ahead of the Elite One season kickoff this weekend.
Attention now turns to whether that commitment will be recognised. FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o has hinted that Pagou could be retained, a move that would suggest a preference for continuity after months of instability.
With the first round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers set to begin in March, Cameroon cannot afford further administrative confusion. Progress on the pitch will depend on clarity off it, and on ensuring that those who do the work are treated with the respect and reward their performances merit.
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