Cameroon Espoirs’ Preparations Disrupted by Mosquitoes and Unsanitary Conditions
The preparations of the Cameroon Espoirs (U-23 team) at the Fécafoot technical center have been severely hindered by a serious mosquito infestation, which has been exacerbated by unsanitary conditions at the facility. The unsatisfactory environment, which has plagued the players for almost a month, has led to a wave of health issues, with multiple players being hospitalized due to mosquito bites and related illnesses.
Dr. Philémon Tamo Moktomo, the medical doctor for the Indomitable Lions, spoke out about the situation, explaining the extent of the problem. “There are mosquitoes everywhere. They know no borders. They’re not just in Odza. We can’t say that these mosquitoes did their job in two or three days. These kids have been training there for almost a month, and as a result, the rather unsanitary environment has fostered the emergence of these pathologies,” he told Camfoot.
Around ten players have been affected, with the most serious case being that of Brice Tchamabo, a player from Fotouni. Tchamabo’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his hospitalization at Yaoundé Central Hospital. National team assistant coach Emmanuel Maboang Kessak described the situation, saying, “His condition deteriorated around 3 a.m., and tests were carried out. Given the fatigue caused by vomiting—he vomited at least 15 times—his family arrived and wanted him to stay in the hospital. When you see someone in a bed at the emergency room, wearing the Indomitable Lions tracksuit, with a lot of people around, I was embarrassed myself. It was the day before yesterday that the doctor signed the discharge certificate. The degree of his malaria, as the doctors explained, could have led to a coma.”
The situation has raised serious concerns about the quality of the Fécafoot technical center, which has long been considered unsuitable for housing national teams. Sources revealed that the water pump on the borehole used at the facility requires urgent repairs costing around one million francs, which has further contributed to the deteriorating conditions. The mosquito problem is compounded by the unbearable heat, forcing players to open the windows in their rooms, making them more vulnerable to bites.
The health crisis has prompted calls for immediate intervention, with sources urging the leaders of Fécafoot to address the unsuitable conditions at the center. As the team continues their preparations, it is clear that the current state of the facility is hampering their ability to train effectively and safely, potentially affecting their performance in upcoming competitions.
