- As the CAF interclub competitions approach, Victoria United, a debutant in the Champions League, aims to leverage its youthful squad while adding experienced players
- Meanwhile, Fovu FC, with a rich history in continental competitions, faces challenges after relegation but remains a beloved team in the west region
- Both clubs are preparing for their respective tournaments, hoping to make an impact on the African football stage
The preliminary round of the CAF competitions is scheduled to begin this August, and Cameroon’s representatives are already aware of their opponents. Victoria United, also known as OPOPO, will face FC Samartex from Ghana in the Champions League preliminary round. Meanwhile, Fovu FC will compete against Paynesville FC of Liberia in the Confederation Cup.
Victoria United, based in Limbe, is making its debut in this prestigious competition. Historically, the team emerged from a merger of four different regional teams: Presbook, Victoria Stars, Bota Palms, and PWD Victoria. Despite never experiencing relegation to the divisional league, Victoria United has faced both victories and defeats. In 1991, they gained promotion to the elite one division but were relegated in 2004. After spending several years in the regional league, the team of former president Atia James, returned to elite two in 2022 and then secured a place in elite one in 2023.
Their remarkable performance in their first year in Cameroon’s top tier led to them being crowned champions, defeating Cotonsports and Canon Sportive—two of the most successful teams in championship history. This title also earned them a spot in the CAF Champions League.
As the flagship team in the region, Victoria United enjoys widespread support. Being the sole representative from the southwest in Cameroon’s top tier, and the first team in the last decade to participate in the Champions League, they have captured the hearts of fans both at home and away.
Heading into the competition, the club aims to leverage its youthful squad, which secured the championship title, while also adding experienced players to enhance their chances of progressing beyond the preliminaries. With an average age of 15 years, standout players Jude Enow, Richmond Nji, Wilfred Douala Nathan etc made waves during the title playoffs. Additionally, four of their players are currently part of the U20 Cameroon national team, preparing for the upcoming Uniffac tournament. Given their relative inexperience in CAF competitions, OPOPO is actively exploring the transfer market to bolster their youthful roster.
Rumors suggest that Portuguese coach Pantev Dimitar may depart the club this summer. Although no official communication has been made at the club level, speculation abounds that he might be absent during the Caf Champions League. If these reports hold true, OPOPO may be on the lookout for a new manager.
Backed by substantial material and financial resources, the team embraces challenges. President Valentin Nkwain has stoked anticipation for the team’s performance, boldly asserting that they can rival other teams, including Manchester City.
Victoria United’s ambitions extend beyond mere participation. They aim to progress deep into the tournaments, challenging established African powerhouses. Their fans hope for memorable moments and perhaps a historic run. In preparations , the team has been training , with an lineup of friendlies programmed before the game in August.
The Confederation’s Cup will feature the participation of Fovu Club of Baham, also known as the Yangoua Boys. Founded in 1978, this Cameroon football club is based in Baham. Their home stadium is the Stade de Baham. The club takes its name from the revered Sacred Cave Fovu in the region.
As the 2023 Cup of Cameroon champions, Fovu secured their spot in this competition by defeating PWD 2-0 in the finals. Unlike Victoria United, Fovu has a history of participating in various continental competitions.
In the past, Fovu made one appearance in the CAF Champions League (in 2001, reaching the First Round) and one appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup (in 2011 during the Preliminary Round). They also participated in the CAF Winner’s Cup in 2002, reaching the Second Round.
The team boasts a championship title from 2002, three Cup of Cameroon trophies (in 2001, 2010, and 2023), and two Cameroon Super Cup victories (in 2000 and 2001). In central, they were finalists in the Uniffac Cup in 2006.
Despite facing challenges, including relegation during the 2023-2024 football season, Fovu remains a legendary team for fans in the west region. However, they’ve lost some top talents due to administrative and financial issues. Reports suggest that they are actively seeking a new coach and players to strengthen their position in the upcoming competition.
Regarding their home ground, the Kouekong Stadium in the west region has been approved by CAF. Fovu have asked to play their home games there or consider moving to Douala or Yaoundé.
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