To understand Samuel, let's revisit his first days at FECAFOOT.
1) He ordered the gate into the offices shutdown on late comers. Something unusual in the Cameroonian workforce. We all know how civil servants hardly show up for work and those that do come many hours late and leave early. Eto'o to such nonchalant staffers certainly is a bully. Anyone who has worked outside of Cameroon especially Europe or the United States knows that you get a paycheck for effective presence at work and productivity. Samuel Eto'o was introducing a work ethic to a workforce unaccustomed to being held accountable.
2) Samuel Eto'o took head-on, the Minister of Sports who has been used to giving orders to FECAFOOT and people go along to get along. The new FECAFOOT boss reminded the Minister that appointing a national coach falls squarely within his competence. I am sure young Eto'o was being disrespectful in the eyes of many. We recall that only recently he confronted Ret. General Semengue who in Cameroonian sociopolitical landscape has become almost untouchable. Somehow Semengue apparently thought the professional league had become an island of its own outside FECAFOOT tutelage. In the eyes of others Samuel Eto'o was being disrespectful of a former senior General.
3) Time and time again Cameroonians have seen Eto'o giving pep-talks to the Lions especially before crucial matches notably at the just ended AFCON tournament. He was vilified by some for poking his noses where the coach has exclusive rights.
4) In his capacity as FECAFOOT boss, he has stepped in to rescue players in challenging situations I need not belabor here.
5) When he flies to Europe to lobby new talents for the national team he is not superimposing himself on the coach, he is a hero.
6) Following the dismal performance of the national team against Burundi Eto'o thought it was time he called out players who in their heads think their names are carved in stone on the squad. He is being called a bully, usurping the role of Coach Song.
Before becoming FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto'o played in clubs where players are held accountable and if you don't perform you get benched regardless of who you are. In a country where inertia and mediocrity are the norm, he is bound to be seen as a nuisance. I can understand. Samuel Eto'o did not need that job to live a life of luxury. He took it because of the love he has even as player demonstrated for the country. He was talented enough to play for any European country like Kylian Mbappe has. He took the job because he felt something needed to change. People are uncomfortable with change because old habits die hard.
"If Cameroon must change, the likes of Eto'o are needed. You don't get paid a salary for doing nothing."
What Samuel Eto'o told the players after the match with Burundi is exactly what in performing organizations in Europe and the United States anyone is told when they start taking things for granted. You either give it your all or you are fired. PERIOD.
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