Marc Brys has publicly acknowledged his recent actions stemmed from frustration, as he called for renewed unity within the Cameroon national team following days of speculation over his future as head coach.
Returning to Yaoundé on Friday after a turbulent week, the Belgian coach addressed the nation during the 8 p.m. news broadcast on CRTV.
His appearance followed a swirl of reports suggesting he had resigned due to unpaid wages—claims that gained traction after coverage by outlets such as Jeune Afrique and the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).
Brys, reportedly unsettled by salary delays, was said to have submitted his resignation, only to later retract it once his payment was settled—an about-face that provoked strong reactions within Cameroonian football circles.
Among the most vocal was Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o, who openly criticised Brys, questioning his communication methods and professionalism.
The resulting friction created an uneasy atmosphere surrounding the Indomitable Lions, just months before crucial competitions. It was against this backdrop that Brys took to national television, aiming to clarify his position and restore a sense of calm.
Pressed on whether he had, in fact, submitted a resignation, the 63-year-old tactician stopped short of confirming the reports outright. Instead, he admitted to having experienced a moment of anger, which nearly led him to walk away.
“I don’t want to talk about that,” Brys said during the broadcast. “But sometimes you get into a situation where you’re really angry, and it’s not right—and I say that with great respect.
The most important thing is the game. I wouldn’t want to get into that. We have to throw everything in the trash and stay focused on our goals.”
His remarks, though measured, pointed to lingering dissatisfaction behind the scenes. Still, Brys made a deliberate effort to steer the conversation back to the pitch, avoiding escalation and emphasising the need to move forward as a united team.
His composed demeanour stood in stark contrast to Fecafoot’s more confrontational tone in recent statements, further highlighting the underlying tension between coach and federation.
Despite the controversy, Brys continues to enjoy widespread public support. His arrival at Yaoundé Nsimalen airport was met with a jubilant crowd waving flags and chanting in solidarity.
The scene offered a striking reminder of the coach’s popularity and the public’s desire for stability at the helm of the national team.
This groundswell of support underscores the importance of cohesion at a time when the Indomitable Lions are preparing for critical fixtures. Brys’ call for unity is not merely symbolic—it is a plea for focus amid the distractions, a bid to rally players, staff, and fans around a common cause.
The recent saga has exposed institutional cracks that must be addressed, but for now, Brys appears determined to rise above the fray and redirect attention to the sporting challenges ahead.
Whether this renewed focus can translate into results on the field remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Belgian remains a central figure in Cameroon’s footballing ambitions—and he still has the crowd behind him.
