Why no African based Player has Played under Seedorf-‘you have to select players with the philosophy…..’
Coach Clarence Seedorf was looked up straight into the eyes and asked if he was going to do what coach Alain Djeumfa and co were doing at the female category [given preference to the local league] in
the post-match press conference and he had this to say ‘I don’t think it is the time now to start talking about other players who could be part of this squad, ’The gaffer went on- ‘Cameroon players, playing where ever, if we think they are best for the team we would call them. We are limited so we cannot call 55 players. The door is not closed for anybody that’s why it is national team, you are limited, and you have to select the players with the philosophy you want to play with. Since I and Patrick took the job, we have dedicated a lot of time with meeting young players and those with double passports, but we have a deadline, we would no longer chase them, they know where they can find us. At the moment we are happy with the group of players we have here and we know they can add value to the team.’
The Dutch-man is a star contrast to his predecessor [Hugo Bross], who ushered talented players from
the local division to the league with examples like Frantz Pangop, and the Belgian had Frank Boya from lAPEJES, with George Bokwe from Cotonsport in his 23 man squad that won the trophy. It is left to be seen if any local player gets the nod from Clarence Seedorf in the nearest future.
Since the Dutch coach got the Cameroon job he has not given any African based player whether in Cameroon or other African countries a minute on the pitch after 6 games. In his time as head coach of Cameroon the likes of Junior Rostand Mbai,Serge Ekollo Malolo,Amour Patrick Tigyem,Lukong Bongaman,Franck Kom and Etta Thomas Bawak has been in form but never had a chance to prove their worth in the National team.
Giovanni Wanneh on Special Assignment in Yaounde
