Joachim Mununga, Cameroon’s assistant coach, was absent during the match against Eswatini, indicating a rift with FECAFOOT. Mununga stated his commitment to the team, while head coach Marc Brys expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. Mununga is currently not under contract, further complicating the issue as the government calls for his inclusion.
On Wednesday, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Cameroon’s assistant coach Joachim Mununga was notably absent from the technical area as the Indomitable Lions faced Eswatini, resulting in a disappointing draw. This absence stems from a reported disagreement between Mununga and the Cameroonian Football Federation, known as FECAFOOT. Despite earlier claims of no rift, Mununga’s exclusion suggests deeper issues within the team’s management.
Mununga, while addressing the situation, reaffirmed his commitment to serving the national team and head coach Marc Brys. He remarked, “I have known (head coach Marc) Brys for a long time. He also trained me but I am here to challenge him. My ambition is to serve Cameroon, the coach, and the players.” This statement highlights Mununga’s desire to contribute positively, despite the ongoing tension.
Head coach Marc Brys expressed his discontent regarding Mununga’s absence, conveying frustration to the media. He stated, “I cannot work with people I do not know and who are less competent. I need my assistant. (…) It is my right. I am the head coach, and I decide who should be on the bench, just like in other countries.” Brys’s comments illustrate the significance of assistant coaches in his framework.
It is important to note that Mununga is currently not under contract with the national squad. Although the Cameroonian government funds the salaries of the technical staff, Mununga has yet to formalize his position with a signed agreement. Prior to the match, the Cameroonian Minister of Youth and Sports urged FECAFOOT to facilitate Mununga’s presence in the technical area, indicating ongoing discord between the governing bodies of Cameroonian football.
In summary, the absence of Joachim Mununga during the World Cup qualifying match against Eswatini highlights a significant discord between him and FECAFOOT. Both Mununga and coach Marc Brys have expressed their respective viewpoints regarding the situation, emphasizing the need for collaboration in the coaching staff. Without a formal contract, Mununga’s future remains uncertain, as does the resolution of this internal conflict within Cameroonian football.
Original Source: www.panafricafootball.com
