04/09/2023
Memory Lane 2
How Botafogo AFC of Buea Flattered To Deceive!
Last time out, we(South West Football-Cameroon) told you about Victoria United and their financial difficulties as they were relegated from the topflight. OPOPO dropped alongside another club from the South West Region; Botafogo FC of Buea.
Despite so much promise, Botafogo of Buea spent just one season in the National Division I football championship and were relegated for good. But what really happened?
In the early 2000s, Mount Cameroon FC of Buea and Victoria United were proudly flying the flag of the South West Region in the National Division I championship. A third club joined them! Botafogo AFC of Buea were the new rising stars of football in the South West Region.
After impressing in the South West Regional Football League where they emerged champions after seeing out Kumba Lakers, Botafogo of Buea went on to grab their Division I ticket at the 2003 National Interpools (11-26 October, 2003).
They were promoted to the top flight on October 26, 2003, alongside Esperance of Guider, Kadji Sports Academy of Douala and the Ngaoundere University Football Club.
A new chapter opened in their history and the club was ready to play among the big boys. Life at the top was tough. But why was their introduction into the top flight difficult?
Good Start !
Botafogo AFC of Buea were lodged in Group A of the National Division I championship alongside Racing of Bafoussam, Bamboutos of Mbouda, Union of Douala, Canon of Yaounde, Victoria United of Limbe, Esperance of Guider, Renaissance of Ngoumou and PWD of Bamenda. Their objective of the season was to maintain their top flight status. That seemed on track when they started the season with two wins and three draws with a remarkable victory over Canon of Yaounde at the Molyko Omnisports Stadium.
They ended the first phase of the season fifth in their group with 23 points from 16 games; winning six, drawing 5 and losing five. They just missed out on the play offs for the league title on goal difference after Union of Douala piped them to fourth.
However, things started going down the drain in the second half of the season after they were paired with the other four teams in Group A for the relegation play offs.
No Money, No Success!
The absence of club President Valentine Ndeley Molulu was taking a big toll on the club. Based in the United Kingdom for most of the times, the club President had to watch proceedings from afar as the club struggled to survive. Players and coaches complained of salary arrears. Even the training bonuses that reportedly stood at FCFA 500 were irregular as the players struggled to get motivation.
Things even got worse! Botafogo FC at times had difficulties travelling away for matches. It was the case on September 1, 2004, when Union of Douala hosted Botafogo of Buea at the Reunification Stadium in the second leg round of 16 fixture of the Cup of Cameroon.
Union had comfortably won the first leg at the Molyko Omnisports Stadium four goals to one and were looking to book their place into the next round.
The game was scheduled to start at 3pm but one hour to time, Botafogo FC were yet to arrive at the stadium. Union of Douala had done their pre match warm ups, yet Botafogo had still not arrived.
Botafogo finally arrived at the Reunification Stadium around 15h30 and according to regulations, Union of Doula would have won the match by forfeiture.
However, referee Mahammadou Mal Souley was lenient as he entertained the plea from Botafogo FC players. Team captain Wose Paul explained they left Buea the same day around 2pm due to financial difficulties and not every player was motivated to travel for the game so just a couple of players and team officials boarded the bus for Douala. Traffic at Rond Point Deido further delayed them on the way.
Coach Monthe Fumes Out!
There was no time to waste as the referee ordered Botafogo FC to get on the pitch without any warm up session.
As early as the fourth minute, Botafogo conceded from a set piece as Union defender Banaken beat goalkeeper Manyaka of Botafogo. The team from Buea did find a way to level scores in the second half through substitute Mbondji (73’). However, a late penalty converted by Nkendo (89’) ensured Union of Douala carried the day and progressed to the quarter final of the Cup of Cameroon on a 6-2 aggregate score.
“In these (poor) conditions, I cannot ask a miracle from my players. Our poor results are partly due to the poor organization within our management and the lack of financial resources,” Botafogo Head Coach, Joseph Monthe lashed out after the defeat to Union.
On the events that led to their late arrival at the stadium, Joseph Monthe did not hold back as he criticised the amateurish management of the club.
“We have unprofessional administrators. If a coach sets a program, that must be respected but the administrators want to impose theirs. We took lunch late, and the bus to transport the players to Douala arrived late. The first division is not amateurism, you have to be serious. I blame the administrators, I point fingers at them, and I denounce their laxity. “I have the impression that we were not ready for the First Division,” Joseph Monthe said.
Before the season could end, some injured players had been abandoned to themselves while others had left the club for new experiences. It was the case with Augustine Ntui and Patrick Nso Nde who were invited for trials in Germany. Coach Joseph was against their early departure as he needed them in their battle against relegation but club officials wanted to cash in on the two players and this led to serious disagreements. Nso Nde finally left for Germany where he was training with an amateur side while Augustine Ntui remained stuck in Cameroon due to administrative procedures. With the two key players missing, Botafogo could not cope.
Knocked out of the Cup of Cameroon, Botafogo of Buea now had only the league to focus on but they will equally fall short as they were relegated at the end of the season. A once-promising dream ended in tatters and a tragic end. Attempts to return to the top flight have all ended at the level of the South West Regional League Mini Interpools.
By Aju Mane
