Njitap lauds CAF over CHAN tourney

Celebrated former Cameroonian international Geremi Njitap believes the exclusively domestic players tournament, the Africa Nations Championship (Chan), was a card well played by Caf.

The 37-year-old is currently traversing the world of administrative and political football with Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino, who is counting on the retired footballer’s clout, especially in Africa, to seek support for Fifa presidency.

“It was a great idea by Caf,” Geremi told Daily Monitor at Serena Hotel Kigali, where he was with Infantino as the Italian-Swiss and three other candidates courted individual Caf members for support during the just-ended Chan. DRC won the championship.

“Especially for the future. When you organise such a competition for mainly the younger players, they start to become mature because they are looking to become professional players.” Geremi added: “So it is important to start at this level. Now it is also an opportunity for them to gain more maturity, you know; more exposure. “So for me it was a great idea, and so far the organisers in Rwanda have done so well and it is a great lesson for future hosts.”

A versatile player able to operate at right back, right midfield or centre back, Geremi was known for his power, combative style and free kick ability. He won two Uefa Champions League titles and one La Liga with Real Madrid, two Premier Leagues and one FA Cup with Chelsea, plus two Nations Cup and an Olympic gold medal with Cameroon.

Unlike some of his peers, Geremi does not see himself in coaching. Not soon. “Well, obviously I’m still in football,” he said, “Like I said I have had a lot of good experience. My objective now is to try to give what I have learned from the game of football to my younger generation.

“I prefer administration because it is the way I’m headed. It is why I’m also bringing in Gianni. Everybody knows Gianni.

“He is full of experience from his work with Uefa. I’m with him because I like the project that he is trying bring to Fifa, and also for Africa.

“So it is a benefit for us as Africa and football to have people like him in Fifa, so we hope he is gonna be the man because he will help us develop infrastructure. “Our main problem in Africa is infrastructure and if we have someone like him with his experience from Uefa, he will help us a lot.” The Fifa presidencial election is on February 26.

NJITAP AT A GLANCE

SENIOR CAREER

1995–1996: Racing Bafoussam, 28 (5 goals)

1996–1997: Cerro Porteño, 6 (0)

1997–1999: Gençlerbirli?i, 57 (9)

1999–2003: Real Madrid, 45 (0)

2002–2003: Middlesbrough (loan), 33 (7)

2003–2007: Chelsea, 72 (4)

2007–2009: Newcastle United, 49 (2)

2010: Ankaragücü, 12 (2)

2010–2011: AEL, 10 (0)

Total: 312 (29)

National team

1996–2010: Cameroon, 118 (13)

Honours: Cameroonian Premier League and Coupe du Cameroun with Racing Bafoussam in 1995 & 1996

Uefa Champions League with Real Madrid in 1999–2000 and 2001–02La Liga with Real Madrid in 2000–01

Supercopa de España with Madrid in 2001

League Cup with Chelsea in 2004–05, 2006–07

Premier League with Chelsea in 2004–05, 2005–06

FA Community Shield with Chelsea in 2005

FA Cup with Chelsea in 2006–07