Issa Hayatou: Former CAF President expresses gratefulness for Biya’s honour

The Cameroon International from the North Region says, the President of Cameroon Paul Biya, has made him realise the support that he has always garnered in his favour since he started representing Cameroon both national and internationally.

It came as a surprise on the 24 May 2017, even though the creation of the National Academy of Football (ANAFOOT) was already previewed since 2010. The Head of State Signed two decrees, one for Hayatou and the other for Carl Enow Ngatchou, former coach of the indomitable lionesses.

Hayatou said Paul Biya has shown the world that Cameroon really needs their son, whom he is. He pledged his loyalty to the Head of State, promising that he will do everything within his reach not to disappoint the President of the Republic.  

He has three years for his mandate, which is renewable once. During this period, he will have to prove his worth as first president, which many are quite positive about, considering his experience. Speaking to the CRTV, he said “this is a golden opportunity for me and I will have to live up to the Head of States expectations”. 

The ex-CAF president was further asked if this appointment can be considered as one which has come to heal the wounds of the defeat he had, in the CAF elections which were held in March. In response to the question, he revealed that he didn’t feel any pain after he lost to Ahmed Ahmed of  Madagascar.

Issa Hayatou went on to say that, the reason why he entered the election race, was because Cameroon had to host the 2019 AFCON. He equally made mention of the fact that, even if he had won the elections, he would have resigned immediately after the AFCON which is due to take place in Cameroon in 2019. He added that, he would not have been a candidate had it been Cameroon was not to host the upcoming AFCON.

The CAF veteran will serve as the President of the Administrative Council while the the Colombe football club and former indomitable Lionesses’ coach Enow Ngatchou, will act as the Director General of ANAFOOT.