Eto'o's Press Conference:"German Shepherds" Used To Keep Fans At Bay

By Nformi Sonde Kinsai & Bongben Leocadia

A press conference organized by Orange-Cameroun for Cameroon's Indomitable Lions striker, the Spanish Pichichi, F.C. Barcelone star, and three times CAF's Ballon d'Or, Samuel Eto'o Fils, which took place at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel last May 30 almost went out of control as a result of the numerous fans that jammed the hotel premises several hours ahead of the press conference chanting glorious songs.

It took the joint efforts of hefty DAK and Wackenhut security agents with the help of very wild dogs popularly known as "German Shepherds" to keep the fans at the fringes of the hotel premises.

Because of the wild nature of the advancing dogs with open fangs ready to devour, many fled for their lives leaving behind varied items including assorted pair of shoes on the yard. Despite that move, the swelling population of fans and even onlookers broke up from time to time as all desperate attempts were made to get to the hall where the press conference was planned.

However, those who suffered most were the pressmen and women, many of who were barred by the security agents who could not understand that the event was first and foremost meant for the journalists. They were impervious to all explanation by most journalists to the effect that they were duly invited for the event.

Even some officials who claimed to be members of Orange Cameroun stunned journalists when they behaved in a similar way as the security agents and their dogs. In the scuffle many costumers of Hilton Hotel who had nothing to do with the press conference were equally brutalized.

As the drama was unfolding at the premises of the hotel, the football star heavily guarded was in the confines of the hotel granting his press conference. The press conference, which held within the framework of Samuel Eto'o's humanitarian acts, provided him the opportunity to disclose that 80 percent of the finances for the Samuel Eto'o Foundation are his personal revenue.

The rest, he said, would come from partners.He disclosed that he had always nursed the desire to assist young Cameroonians, adding that after exchanging ideas with family and friends they agreed on the idea of a foundation.

The foundation, which went operational with the laying of a foundation stone for a football academy in Kribi May 31, Eto'o said, would offer opportunities to 300 young Cameroonians between the ages of 10 and 13.

He averred that the academy would also give hope to youths roaming the streets due to lack of means to go to school, saying that he too was assisted by some people to reach stardom.

Amongst the many worries of journalists was recurrent issue of mismanagement of Cameroon football, to which Eto'o maintained that the problems plaguing football are not at the level of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education and neither are they at the level of FECAFOOT.

He rather stated that it is the problem of all Cameroonians and decried the attitude of under-looking on coaches who are nationals in preference for expatriates.  He proffered dialogue within the football family with mutual concessions as the basis for a good beginning.

In response to his management of racist behaviour by western fans, Eto'o stated that he is canvassing for the respect of the black man in particular and man in general. He maintained that the people who heap insults on him ironically are the same who come begging that he signs autographs for them.

Eto'o who promised a donation of ambulances to some hospitals is expected to visit Bamenda in the days ahead.

Comments

[Fritzane Kiki H.K]

This is a sign of heroirism and martyrdom in the first order.Eto'o has reached the complexion point of his achievement and it should sound as a good example for others to copy.His humanitarian jestures could not be over emphasised.He has stood the test of time from his courage to overcome discrimination and racism in Europe.I see him as someone who will be as an eye opener to many if not all Camerooian youths,African and why not the world atlarge.

With his many trophies he has been one of the most successful footballers in Cameroon and African history.He has succeed where many have failed.I appreciate him and encourage him to countinue with thesame spirit for the upcoming season.

Allez-en avant

Fritzane Kiki
Hong Kong

[Watesih]

Yeah Fritzane ,
You are right.I remember when i visited Shanghai some time ago and met two Chinese Policemen.They sought to know where i came from ,and when i said Cameroon,the shouted in unison Kamailong!,
and incessantly repeated the words Eto`o,Eto`0 ,Barcelona,Eto`o Eto`o,Barcelona.My hair stood on ends,because this is the only moment that ones love for Cameroon cannot be challenged.
Eto`o is a god and as you said earlier,he has treaded where others could not.Every generation has its peculiarities.
Last time it was Milla,may be nexttime it will be NdiAkem junior.Today in Brazil,it is Ronaldhino,yesterday,it was Ronaldo.Life is not static ,and with the advent of Television and internet,the Youths will have something to prove.Eto`o is also humble.If it were another loud mouth,he would have made a song about getting Mfede out of Prison in Indonesia.

[Tabi (Sweden)]

Good gesture.

[Nkemtaji (sweden)]

May God continue to bless you Eto`o
Try to be an example may be those shameless idiots and Embezzlers may learn.
May God continue to bless you.

[TALKTRUE]

bravo ETO'O AND MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD GRAND U WISDOM TO MANANGE YOUR GAINS . I JUST WISH THAT YOU MAKE ALL WAYS SO THAT CAMEROON ADMINISTRATORS COULD CONSTRUCT FOOTBALL TFIELDS ALL OVER THE NATION.

[hongla kelvin]

eto'o you are my mentor.really i think all has been said by those out who are experiencing what eto'o has done so i think nothing is left apart from the fact that camerooniains should nunanimously join and speak well of sam .look at him receiving his third african player of the year's award from president olusegun in nigeria,look at the joy the president had talking with such a wanderfull star i think it is an honour for cameroon and us fellow country men lets all rally tooth and nail and support pap[a eto'o in making a name for our country and helping us catch the admiration of white men and non nationals as we shall be free many times from their useless worries when ever they hear of cameroon.
PAPA ETO'O WE ARE BEHIND YOU ,GO AHEAD AND NEVER LOOK BACK WITH ALL YOUR PHILANTROPIC ACTIVITIES YOU ARE CARRYING OUT.
HONGLA KELVIN LEPASHA.

[Christian Muenyi]

I'm surprised Eto'o did not mention the problem of poor sports facilities.
We are looking forward to also recieving him when his team tours the US in the next couple of months.

[Leslie Njume]

My dear fans of the post,
When a man sees his fatherland in the air for victory, he wastes no time in seizing the opportunity to elaborate.

Twoo weeks back at a seminar in Wrtfphul,close to Berlin in Germany, i met students from other countries and one from Poland studying in Spain made me appear a hero fo Eto´o ´s sake.
You know what i´m talking of and there is no beating around the bush.
If all the opportuned fellows of this nations could raise a hang even as small as what we call a widow´s mite,imagine what our country will be in a decade or so.
Bravo Etoó
ADIEU.

[AKENDE DIEUDONNE]

i really do not have much to say for all has been said by my predessesors but one thing eto'o, i like it when you hail jesus He alone gives you the power to continue Hold on to him and have the africa's player of the year 5 straight times Enjoy your game and play it well