Cameroonian goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa has addressed his exclusion from the national team under coach Marc Brys, expressing respect for the decision despite the personal disappointment.
Ondoa, who was once the first-choice goalkeeper for Cameroon during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), was notably sidelined after Brys took over as head coach.
Under the previous coach, Rigobert Song, Ondoa had earned the role of starting goalkeeper, but Brys has since reinstated André Onana as the undisputed number one.
Since Brys’ appointment, Ondoa, who currently plays for FC RFS in Latvia’s top division, has not been called up to the squad.
The Belgian coach’s decision has left Ondoa out of the plans for the national team, a stark contrast to the prominent role he once held.
Despite the setback, Ondoa has accepted the situation with composure. Speaking on the sports program Bnews1, the former Barcelona youth player said, “I take my non-selection in a sporting manner.
We must respect the coach’s choice. It is the image of Cameroon that counts.” His mature response highlights his understanding of the team’s needs and the coach’s authority in making selection decisions.
Ondoa also reflected positively on the performance of his fellow goalkeeper, Onana, who is currently playing for Manchester United.
He extended his best wishes to Onana, expressing a heartfelt desire for him to experience the same success that Ondoa himself had achieved with Cameroon in 2017, when the team won the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I wish André the same taste of victory that I experienced in 2017,” Ondoa remarked.
Despite the disappointment of being overlooked, his support for Onana suggests a deep sense of camaraderie and team spirit.
Ondoa’s reaction reveals a player who values the collective success of the national team over personal grievances, maintaining his professionalism and respect for the coach’s decisions.
His comments provide a glimpse into the character of a player committed to his country, even in the face of exclusion.
🔴 Fabrice Ondoa : « Ma non-sélection, je la prends de manière sportive. Il faut respecter le choix du coach. C’est l’image du Cameroun qui compte. André est l’un des meilleurs gardien au monde. Il est pensionnaire de Manchester United. Il est inconcevable qu’il soit au banc […]… pic.twitter.com/AFvkwMAiyH
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) December 24, 2024
