Yaoundé: Hopes of seeing last season’s top players, including Nchindo John Bosco, Nathan Douala, and Jule Armand Kooh, compete for the 2024 Cameroon Ballon d’Or have dwindled as the federation silently bypassed organizing the ceremony. This event traditionally honors the most outstanding players, coaches, referees, and teams in the context of Cameroonian football.

According to Cameroon News Agency, the ceremony was expected to take place in December, aligning with past trends and fueling speculation about its occurrence. However, with the arrival of January 2025, there has been no awards ceremony, leaving the Cameroon football community in surprise.

The award, while not mandatory for the federation, had been revived by the current administration after years of dormancy, generating excitement among Cameroonians. The federation had successfully organized the ceremony for two consecutive years, raising expectations further.

Two possible reasons have been suggested for the absence of the awards. Financial cons
traints might have hindered the organization, or the federation’s focus might have shifted due to various pressing matters throughout 2024. These include searching for national team sponsors, resolving disputes with the Ministry of Sports, addressing issues with elite clubs, and tackling other challenges.

Since the award’s revival in 2022, winners have included Souaibou Marou (male category) and Ngock Monique (female category) in 2022, and Emmanuel Mahop (male category) and Ngah Manga Marie Gisele (female category) in 2023. Ironically, the award has proven to be a curse for its male winners, whose careers have stagnated after leaving Cameroon. Souaibou Marou joined Orlando Pirates in South Africa but departed due to limited playing time, while Emmanuel Mahop returned home to Coton Sport, struggling to regain form and make a significant impact.