At inspection visit to Bamenda: CTFP scribe approves Yong Sport Arena for elite matches.

This was at the end of an inspection visit to Bamenda, in the North West Region by the institution’s Secretary General, Faustin Mbida. 

The aim of the visit was to evaluate the stadiums to host matches of the professional championship.

The CTFP delegation visited three stadiums. They include; the Bamenda Municipal Stadium, another stadium under construction thanks to a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP and FECAFOOT, as well as the Yong Francis Arena. 

Speaking to the press at the end of the inspection visit, Mbida said contrary to popular opinions, the Yong Sports Arena was well situated. 

The CTFP scribed noted: “We were surprised based on what people told us, we thought we would be entering a forest, but we discovered it is a good centre and we entered without any military escorts,”. 

He went on to add: “We believe that, despite the shortcomings, this is a stadium that can host matches in the top divisions of Elite One, Elite Two and the Guinness Super Leagues because it is a stadium that is up to standard(....) We just have the stands, then reserve benches, and also the protective barriers which are not only what we expect but I think that those in charge have given us the reassurance that it will be done,”. 

Mbida added that: “We are preparing the report which will be submitted to the President of FECAFOOT. As the President of FECAFOOT said, football must be played throughout the national territory. Football must be the link that brings peace,”. 

With regards to the Bamenda Municipal Stadium, Mbida said the facility could be operational within three weeks following assurances from the company in charge of the rehabilitation works. 

According to official, significant progress has also been made on the UNDP-FECAFOOT stadium. 

The CTFP scribe disclosed that an artificial turf shall be installed in the days ahead. Mbida seized the occasion to announce that the stadium shall be operational by next month. 

On the issue of security, Mbida said the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, has given us reassurances and the teams shouldn't be afraid. 

The decision from the CTFP comes barely a week after FECAFOOT had been heavily criticised by the management of PWD of Bamenda Yong Sport Academy, YOSA, of Bamenda. 

This was due to a decision to have the home matches of the North West Region football clubs moved back to the West Region. 

A few days before the decision, YOSA had hosted AS Fortuna at the Yong Francis Arena in Mile six Nkwen. 

During the match day nine fixture of the league, the Yellow Submarines secured their first win, 2-0 against the Fortuna boys to end their winless run. 

It was the team’s first match in that football facility in about three years.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3360 of Wednesday February 5, 2025