Sama Taku shooting for the stars

Sama Taku a young Cameroonian basketball maestro was recently in Cameroon to play two matches with the Cameroon national basketball team against Congo and was voted the most valuable player (MVP).

In an interview with Njinkeng Asonganyi, he shared experiences in his personal and professional life with fans.

Q: Who is Sama?

A: Sama is a young basketball player based in the US. I was born in Cameroon to Michael Taku Fontem and Prudentia Taku. My parents are both Cameroonians but I left for America in the year 2000 at the age of 7. I am very happy to be back after so many years.

Q: Are you a professional player?

A: No, I am not a professional player. I graduated from school and played college basketball at the highest level for Pacifics (NCAA) Division 1. I am done with college and still hoping to get a team to sign me back in America, but I currently train just twice in a day.

Q: How did you get selected by the national team?

A: I really can’t tell how the Federation got to know about me. In March 2014, the federation got in contact with my dad who called to ask if I was interested in representing my country and I said yes, and just like they say, the rest is history.

Q: Do you find the team good enough? Or do you have any advice for them to improve in certain areas?

A: I think the team is quite solid. You know, we can always be better, especially considering the fact that we haven’t played together for long and also for the fact that some of our NBA players like Luke Mbah Amoute or Joel Embid couldn’t make it. I am sure that with the full squad and many training sessions together, we will be a very tough team and a hard one to play against.

Q: What is your situation with the team? Will you be here permanently or is it just an experience?

A: Not at all; I think it is all left to the coach and his staff. Just like I said before, I don’t have a club at the moment although back in America I have a coach who helps me with my sessions twice every day.

That’s why I was fit and ready to play both games, but like I said before, I am happy and proud to be here and if the coach calls me up, I’ll be more than glad to answer.

My first experience with the boys was back in China last year, so this is my second. I hope and pray I can represent Cameroon for a long time.

Q: After your first game here against Congo, it looks like you underwent a drug test. What really happened?

A: I think the test was kind of a random experience. All I know is that our opponents appealed for a drug test for me and our captain (Gaston Essengue), but we didn’t ask too many questions why we had to do the test. We just did it and thanks to God it went well for both of us.

Q: Did the test follow the rules that govern such an exercise in the US?

A: I think so. I have never taken a drug test before, but from what I know, I guess it is about the same process.

Q: What is your opinion on the use of drugs in sports?

A: Maybe with other sports like running and others, drugs help, but I think they do not really help in basketball. Sometimes athletes may be unfortunate to be given drugs like steroids by their doctors even without their knowledge.

I am personally against the use of drugs in sports and I really don’t know why an honest athlete should use drugs.

Q: What has been your best experience since arriving back home?

A: I think it should be seeing my family and old friends. I left Cameroon about 15 years ago and I have many relative back here so it was amazing to have them come over to watch me play today, and also all the many well-wishers, fans and supporters who attended both games.

The support and love they showed to us was amazing, and moments like that only keep you going and make you eager to want to do more. I was also impressed by the number of people who congratulated me after the game, taking pictures with me and saying kind words to me – people I have never seen before in my entire life. The reception from everyone was impressive.

Q: Lastly, Sama, what advice do you have for young Cameroonians and Africans out there who may be interested in playing basketball, or those already playing but yet to represent their country?

A: I will say representing your country, be it in sports or any other field is a once in a lifetime opportunity which not too many are lucky to have. So I’ll say if you are lucky to be one of the few to have that kind of opportunity, do as much as you can to grab it with both hands because nothing lasts forever.

For Cameroonians and Africans who love basketball, I’ll say believe in yourself, follow your dreams and always try to give 100% to be the best you can, and above all, pray! When you do that, I am pretty sure you have a fair chance to prove your talent.

Sama, I wish you the best.

Thank you very much Nji.