ACTUALITE |
29.04.2003
Europe is best resident for me, says schafer
By Nforngwa Ndiboti Eugene in Yaounde
Whatever is the official and popular position on the appropriate place of residence for Indomitable Lions’ head coach, Winfried Schafer has put forward strong arguments that Europe is the best place of residence for him, if he must carry out his coaching job properly. Besides, the German says he does not fancy staying in hotels.
He made the defence last Wednesday in Yaounde during the launching ceremony of the first edition of a Germano-Cameroonian cooperation magazine by German Ambassador Klaus-Peter Braudes. Schafer was present at the event as a symbol of Germano-Cameroonian cooperation, it was revealed.
Journalists seized the opportunity to question Schafer’s apparent refusal to take up permanent residence in Cameroon.
Since the German was contracted to coach the Lions in 2001 he has continued to reside in Europe, causing eye brows to rise within many circles nation wide.
He is alleged to have ignored instructions from the minister of youth and sports as well as FECAFOOT to take up residence in Cameroon from where he can carry out his assignment.
But Shafer said that he preferred to stay in Europe for the better interest of the national team players, most of whom reside and play in Europe.
“They have numerous problems and frequently needed me to give advice, propose solutions and also concert with the club authorities about their performance,” he said.
Schafer argued that if he is not present in Europe he would not be able to solve their various problems or monitor their performance. “In addition it is easier to bring the players together in Europe to promote team spirit and cohesion.
Schafer said government did not pay for his trips around Europe. “If I must travel to Europe to solve a particular problem or meet with players or clubs, I am solely responsible for the travel cost,” he said.
It is still very unclear if Schafer would continue residing in Europe or succumb to pressure and take up residence in Yaounde.
He confirmed that government has earmarked an apartment for him and is under renovation but failed to say if or when he will occupy it.
About the monitoring of local players, Schafer said he is frequently in the country to follow local competitions and detect new talents who could be subsequently integrated into the national team.
Klaus-Peter Braudes said is evaluation of Schafer’s performance as Lions coach that it was positive. “Whatever the Cameroonian public think about his performance I know it is positive,” he said.
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