ACTUALITE |
31.08.2005
Eto’o Encourages Team Mates
The ace striker has promised CFA 22 million frs to players and officials of the national football team in case of victory against Côte d’Ivoire.
The Indomitable Lions are highly motivated to win next Sunday’s 2006 World Cup/African Cup of Nations crucial eliminatory match against the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire. In a rare gesture, players and coaches have received a financial pledge from one of theirs. Ace striker, Samuel Eto’o Fils, who doubles as assistant team captain of the Lions, promised CFA 22 million frs to his mates and coaches of the team in case of a victory against Côte d’Ivoire next Sunday.
The Barcelona striker, who finished second top scorer in Spain`s la Liga last season, made the announcement last Monday night at the Lions’ camping site in Novotel Saint Quentin, France, during the traditional meeting of the Minister of Sports and Physical Education with players in camp. The African player of the year said the money should be equally shared among the 18 players and four coaches who would be part of the Ivorian expedition. In case of a victory, each person would therefore bag home CFA one million. Cameroon, with 17 points, are two behind Group Three leaders Côte d’Ivoire (19 points). The reward is an incentive to ensure a win over the Ivorians in Abidjan. The financial package for encouragement may increase as the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Philippe Mbarga Mboa, has also promised special bonuses from the government in case of a victory.
It will therefore be a highly motivated and serene team that would be leaving Paris on Friday for Abidjan, via Yaounde. Since the start of the present training camp last Monday, coach Artur Jorge has been fine-tuning the techniques of his boys to avoid any surprise next Sunday. The serenity at the training camp has been a plus as players have remained focused. No visitors are allowed to see the players, while all training sessions are in-camera.
Today, however, reports say the Lions will be free to meet their fans and relatives as from mid day. They will therefore be a relaxed. Opening up to the public would begin with meeting the press. Coaches, the team captain, some players and officials of the Cameroon Football Federation will grant a press conference at noon today. It would be an occasion for the press to get first hand information on the state of preparedness of the Lions for next Sunday’s crucial match.
According to coach Artur Jorge, the task ahead is challenging. " We are going to Abidjan for a purpose. We would not want to let down the fans of the Indomitable Lions. Any faulty move from Cameroon would be tantamount to a catastrophe ", he said.
Meanwhile, the Lions will be on the pitch tomorrow twice for the final training sessions.
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