- Despite the significant contributions of sports to Cameroonian culture and identity, many parents remain skeptical about sports as a viable career path due to factors like financial constraints and career unpredictability
- Success stories of athletes like Idrissou Nfor and Jules Armand Kooh highlight the crucial role of parental support in overcoming these challenges
- Ultimately, recognizing the potential financial rewards and cultural impact of sports can help shift parental perceptions, fostering a more supportive environment for young athletes to pursue their dreams
Sports, an activity deeply embedded in the DNA of Cameroonians, has produced remarkable success stories. Figures like Samuel Eto’o and Roger Milla in football, Françoise Mbango Etone and Emmanuel Eseme in athletics, have consistently resonated across Africa and the world. Despite these achievements, parental acceptance of sports as a profession remains limited.
In football, Cameroon’s most popular sport, parental disapproval is still prevalent. On February 28, 2025, Idrissou Nfor, in his acceptance speech as the season’s best goalkeeper, recounted how his mother’s initial resistance fueled his determination.
He stated, “Mama Ngani Francisca, my presence here today is a testament to the challenge. I made a promise to you, and initially, you doubted me. I declared my intention to pursue football, but you insisted I prioritize education. Mum, I acknowledge that your skepticism motivated me to work harder and prove my choice was valid.”
Mama Francisca’s sentiment is shared by many. Marie Rose Kooh, mother of Jules Armand Kooh, Cameroon’s 2024 highest goalscorer, echoed similar feelings after her son received the highest goalscorer and best goal awards at the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to the press, she said, “Jules Armand Kooh faced significant obstacles, beginning within our family. We initially disapproved of his football aspirations, envisioning him as an engineer or doctor, given his academic brilliance. Despite his persistence, we remained skeptical. By God’s grace, he proved us wrong.”
This parental skepticism stems from several factors.
One primary concern is the inherent unpredictability of a football career, exacerbated by intense competition. Out of the vast number of aspiring professionals emerging from academies, schools, and local leagues, only a select few achieve professional status.
Captain Brice Tabi Ashu of ISOHSA always have his brother around during matches
The global transfer market is fiercely competitive, and Africa, with its limited resources and infrastructure, lags behind continents like Europe. According to the FIFA 2024 transfer report, Cameroon recorded 34 incoming and 123 outgoing transfers last year. This outflow significantly outweighs the annual talent production. The numerous national and regional academies, despite their efforts, cannot guarantee progression through youth, divisional, and professional leagues, let alone secure transfers to European clubs.
Financial constraints also play a substantial role. While some academies offer free registration, parents often bear the burden of transportation and equipment costs. For instance, Bamboutos of Mbouda, a newly established academy in 2025, requires parents to contribute 60,000 francs for training equipment and travel expenses. This amount, though seemingly modest, poses a significant burden for average households. Furthermore, parents must cover injury expenses, daily transportation, and other minor costs. These cumulative expenses, compounded by schooling and daily living costs, dissuade many parents from supporting football as a career.
These factors contribute to parental discouragement. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge football’s status as a multi-billion-dollar industry, capable of yielding substantial profits comparable to established professions. Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, reportedly earned approximately €20.5 million annually, or €1.7 million per month, during his tenure at Anzhi Makhachkala from 2011 to 2013, illustrating the potential for financial success.
Marie Rose Kooh, who initially opposed her son’s dream, proudly accepted his two awards and a 2.5 million franc cash prize, a recognition stemming from the very sport she once opposed. Similarly, Francisca, Nfor’s mother, now enjoys community recognition due to her son’s success in the local championship.
These achievements underscore the importance of parental support in nurturing their children’s sporting aspirations. Parental encouragement can be instrumental in their success.
Copyright©2025 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
English 
French