Fallout from University Games 2015

There was a minor incident on the opening day of the 18th edition of the University Games in Yaounde. Some business people who had paid for stands at the games village could not find space.

Cacophony Around Sheds

They therefore approached the authorities of the University of Yaounde I to clamour for the stands. At the root cause of the problem was the fact that there were insufficient stands since the contractor only began constructing the shed on the eve of the event. The few available sheds were rapidly occupied by the first to arrive on the scene. There are two categories of stands, one for FCFA 100.000 and the other cost 150.000.

But some people who paid 100.000 found themselves in sheds for 150.000 while some of those who paid 150.000 could not find sheds or were being asked to occupy shed for 100.000, hence the discontent of the traders. The Secretary General of the University of Yaounde, Jean Emmanuel Pondi, had to throw everyone out and redistribute the sheds accordingly for calm to return.

Disputed Over Publicity Rights

The University of Yaounde I, the host of the games, is at loggerheads with the national federation of university sports, FENASU. The point of discord is over reaping dividends of the partnership with a mobile telephone company which is one of the major sponsors of the event.

The company was obliged to bring down a telecommunication pole which was raised on the campus to ease communications during the games after they refused to pay money to the institution on the basis that they were already in partnership with FENASU. Luckily, belligerents come to a better mind and allow the company to go ahead with the operation.

Fans Clubs Steal Show

The university game is again around the corner with the fans clubs proving to be more creative than ever before. This year we have witnessed fan clubs match past with thatched house lighted by solar energy thus blending tradition with modernity. The remarkable feature this year is the presence of military figures within fan clubs.

Most fan clubs were either clad as soldiers or were led in the match past by students dressed as soldiers or making war demonstrations depicting Cameroon’s victory over Boko Haram. We have also witnessed reverend fathers, popes, birds and jujus from almost every part of the country. All day long, the fan clubs rival for attention, singing and dancing in a manner to poke fun.