Less Competitive Championships

The strength of a football league is often reflected on how well its representatives perform in continental club competitions. The recent poor outings of Cameroon’s representatives in both the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup can thus to a greater extent be blamed on the state of its local championships. Amongst several things playing down on the competitiveness of the Elite One and the Cup of Cameroon, is the poor organisation and the weak purchasing power of clubs.
With regards to organisation, uncertainties on when the championship will kick-off and end as well as unwanted breaks have visible setbacks. When a championship begins late and ends late, the winners that are the representatives of the country in the CAF interclub competitions have limited time to prepare, hence, the weak performances. When there are breaks, the enthusiasm in the championship dies down alongside the combative spirits of the players. This is because stakeholders may have to hasten up in order to meet with deadlines. Coton Sport is the only Cameroonian club that is struggling to be competitive despite the numerous challenges. Spectators have equally reduced because of the quality and haphazard programming.
The poor financial state of the championship is as well one of the root causes of less competiveness in recent times. Money is required to put facilities in place as well as motivate the valuable players to stay in the competition. Funds, to ensure the smooth functioning of the championship are partly obtained from sponsors. MTN, for example, before its recent come-back had parted ways with the Elite championships. Without sponsors, the championships automatically feel the pinch financially. This is partly accounts for why players who could have honourably defended the colours of the country in CAF interclub competitions turn to look for greener pastures abroad. Thus, the early exodus of pr...