Former APR Fc technical director Jean Paul Akono is in the line to take up the vacant coaching post of the Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. A new coach was to be announced before August 22, the date for Cameroon’s friendly encounter with Japan. Amongst the 78 applicants are five Cameroonians with the name of interim coach, Jules Nyongha conspicuously present. Michel Kaham, Akono, Francois Omam Biyick and Monkam Tchokonte, are all eyeing the job to coach their country.According to sources, while the ministry prefers a national because it will be cost effective, the federation wants a foreigner to avoid corruption. They argue that foreigners too may be corrupt but the degree of corruption is what matters.FECAFOOT on August 8, published a list of 78 postulants for the job from 21 countries.Also, there are nine Germans, six Portuguese including former Lions’ Coach Arthur George, four Argentineans and two Belgians, all vying for the job.Brazil has eight candidates followed by current World Cup holders, Italy, with 12 applicants.Also 11 French coaches filed in applications with the likes of former Marseille and AC Milan striker, Jean Pierre Papin, and Philippe Troussier.Dependable sources from The Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, told The Post that Minister Augustine Edjoa prefers a particular candidate from France.The move is a desperate attempt to save the face of football in Cameroon ahead of the 2008 African Cup of Nations to be staged by Ghana.With barely a few months to go before the start of Africa’s greatest soccer show, Cameroon seems not ready to face the challenge.Cameroon advertised for a new national team coach despite sealing a berth at next year’s African Cup of Nations under Jules Nyongha. The Cameroon Football Federation placed the job offer, effectively signaling the end of veteran coach Nyongha’s fourth spell in charge. The caretaker coach led the Indomitable Lions to a Nations Cup place last month. Nyongha has received public backing for a permanent appointment from leading striker Samuel Eto’o but he still appears set to lose the job. Cameroon won three and lost one of their matches under Nyongha during his latest spell in charge after he stepped in to replace Dutch coach Arie Haan in March. Nyongha has had three previous spells at the helm of the Indomitable Lions, dating as far back as mid-1992. His overall record reads 13 wins in 34 internationals, with 11 draws and 10 losses. Nyongha was the coach of Cameroon at the 1996 African Nations Cup finals in South Africa. Ends
