Samuel Eto'o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), recently addressed the issue of his nickname "pastor," a common term in discussions surrounding the management of Cameroonian football. During an exchange with young people on the Digital B Agency platform, he explained how this image was attached to him and what it represents in his opinion.
Within Cameroonian football, Samuel Eto'o's supporters are often referred to as "Églisiens" (Churchgoers), while their opponents are called "Hiboux" (Owls) or "volaille" (poultry). Eto'o himself is sometimes called the "pastor of the church of Tsinga." He wanted to clarify the origin of these nicknames during his speech at Digital B Agency.
"Why do they call me pastor? I think some wanted to present our way of seeing things as if we were a sect. Why? Because we have values contrary to what they believe," said Samuel Eto'o. He directly associates this nickname with his vision of managing Cameroonian football, a vision he describes as based on strict principles.
Eto'o insists that his philosophy is based on hard work and discipline. "I only believe in success through work and discipline. That's perhaps why some wanted to present me as a pastor of a church where there are only people who follow," he explained.
The president of FECAFOOT also emphasized his deep respect for democratic rules and institutions. "I think I am among those who believe the most in democracy. That's why I am convinced of the law. Only the law," he affirmed. For Samuel Eto'o, this nickname of "pastor" is not a problem, because he believes he acts in accordance with the law and thinks that many Cameroonians share his vision for FECAFOOT.
This explanation comes in a context where Samuel Eto'o's management of FECAFOOT sparks passionate debates and where the various stakeholders sometimes oppose each other vehemently. His approach, focused on discipline and respect for the rules, seems to divide, but he remains convinced of the correctness of his approach.
"Can one be a dictator and respect the law?" he responded last November to accusations of mismanagement.
