Despite Boycott, Bamboutos Slated for Elite One Match This Week

Consistent sources indicate that the players of Bamboutos de Mbouda are expected to meet with certain club officials either today, April 30th, or in the coming days. Following this meeting, Bamboutos might reconsider its decision to withdraw from the MTN Elite One championship.

Pending this meeting, all indications suggest that the Mbouda club will return to competition. This is, at least, the desire of Elie Saker Tshouongang, chairman of Bamboutos’ board. He has contacted the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) to apologize for the boycott of the 20th and 21st rounds of the championship. In his letter, Tshouongang stated his surprise at the unilateral decision by certain club officials to withdraw from the professional championship.

This return even appears to have the federation’s approval. The Transitional Council for Professional Football (CTFP), the body responsible for organizing the MTN Elite One championship, has included Bamboutos de Mbouda in the schedule for the 22nd round, set for this week. The “Mangwa Boys” are expected at the Mbouda stadium on Sunday afternoon to face the current league leader, Colombe du Dja-et-Lobo.

Furthermore, all signs point to Tshouongang having secured the rescheduling of the 21st-round match against PWD of Bamenda. However, caution remains advised until internal divisions within the club are resolved. Some supporters in the stands still advocate for the boycott, accusing the refereeing of having “already condemned Bamboutos to relegation.” This is, moreover, the primary argument presented in the withdrawal letter submitted to Fecafoot.

As of the 21st round, Bamboutos is in the relegation zone, sitting second to last in the standings with 17 points. However, mathematically, the club is not yet guaranteed to be relegated to the lower division.

Michel Ange Nga