By Eyong Macdella
Journalist,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroon has opened its doors to leaders of Football 7-a-side from DR Congo for a three-day working visit in Douala, the nation’s economic capital, as efforts intensify to strengthen and expand the discipline across the continent.
The discussions focused on strategies for growth and enhancing cooperation between ACAF7 Cameroon and their Congolese counterparts. The visiting delegation was received by Angu Lesley, Vice President of the Cameroon Association of Seven-A-Side Football, who expressed pride in Cameroon’s steady progress and its role as a source of inspiration to other nations embracing the sport.
Speaking during a press conference to officially welcome the Congolese delegation, Angu Lesley highlighted the global opportunities within the discipline.
“This is a discipline where, if you go to some parts of the world, there are clubs that recruit these players. The biggest challenge is to organize better and train properly so that through this competition, we can produce athletes who are competitive and marketable for themselves first,” he said.
Cameroon already boasts a functional Seven-a-Side football bureau in all ten regions of the country. The championship has been launched in Yaoundé, Douala, and Ngaoundéré, with activities expected to begin in the remaining regions next month.
The discipline is now gearing up for its first-ever World Cup later this year in Honduras, where Cameroon will be among the participating nations. Angu Lesley emphasized that preparations must be deliberate and structured.
“The sum total of our preparation for the international competition will depend on the work we do from now until the tournament. I am confident in the expertise and passion of our personnel. If they channel these qualities into developing the talents we have in our country, then we are certain that every time we step out there, we will dominate,” he stated.
He further underscored that Cameroon has never lacked sporting talent, but rather faces challenges related to structure and sustained motivation.
“Cameroon’s sporting milieu has never suffered from a lack of talent. The challenging reality sometimes has been getting people who are motivated, passionate, and structured in their approach,” he added.
Also speaking during the session, Bernard Bassong, Head of the Legal Department for Cameroon’s ACAF7 bureau, explained the operational framework and legal procedures required for recognition as an official federation.
He noted that the International Federation of Football 7 (IFA7), headquartered in Canada, reached an accord with FIFA in 2018, granting IFA7 exclusive authority to oversee and organize Seven-a-Side football globally. Bassong also outlined the key differences between traditional 11-a-side football and the seven-a-side format, including the number of players, pitch dimensions, and the type of ball used.
Congo’s visit stands as further proof of Cameroon’s commitment to bringing Seven-a-Side football to the forefront, with ambitions of leaving a lasting mark both continentally and on the international stage.
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