Anglophone War; Can Peace Return Via Football?

Anglophone War; Can Peace Return Via Football?

Gunshots, cries of the bereaved, panic, internal displacement and psychological trauma are what have characterised the atmosphere in Anglophone Cameroon for the past two years and still counting. Public gatherings are now dreaded because  where two or three are gathered, there is often fear of an imminent attack either by government forces or separatist fighters. Such are often unfounded because almost all gatherings end well as they started.

In the midst of these challenges, youths in Mbengwi Central Sub Division have decided to shun fear and go about their normal life unperturbed while respecting the law. One of the best ways to relief youths from the stress of  the fear of the unknown is to unite and engage them in what they like doing most. Because football is a unifying game, it was for this reason that Mile 17 F.C and Mbengwi Veterans  met on the G.S Chigwiri football field for a friendly encounter last Saturday October 3rd  2018. Though intended to be an amicable match, the game ended up producing lots of fireworks.

Seta Beats of Mbengwi Veteran 

Seta Withgodep Viertz artistically known as Seta Beats is a player for Mbengwi Veterans. To him, peace can be sought for through football. "Sports has no boundary. It's a medium to unite youths especially and bring peace, love and promote young talents among us" he said.

To Mundi Hope of Mile 17 F.C, it wasn't an easy encounter especially as it was more of beginners meeting old brooms in the game but they proved their worth. He said "Though they are older than us, experienced and professional in the way they played, we tried our best too because we are a young team. I tried to put my boys together so we can become stronger. It wasn't that easy but hopefully next time we will do better." Asked if there was any special message he was sending across through football with the current crisis, he said "Yes, for sure because it's a game of love, it's a game that brings people together which means that if football is given a place, then love can lead and obviously, they'll be peace."

Player for Mile 17 F.C in a Spectacular Hard Trick

At the blast of the final whistle by the central referee, the score line situation stood at 4 goals on  either sides giving a total of 8 goals scored during the encounter.