Innocent Mbunwe
17 March 2008
Former Indomitable Lions midfielder, Jean Claude Pagal, the 1990 World Cup quarter finalist, has put pen to paper, to join the MTN Elite I club, Tiko United.
The 44 year old, who is based in France, would become one of the oldest players in the history of Cameroon's Division I football. He told the press that his coming home to play is to set an example to youth footballers.
"There are so many young players who go to Europe, believing that all is well out there, only to discover that it is not as they thought," Pagal said."When I conversed with them, they tell me that I am in Europe and life is very easy for me, but I tell them that I live a normal life."
Pagal stated that there is a lot to be harnessed in the country by the administrators and enterprises, to prove to the youths that they should stay back home and better our football.
On why he preferred Tiko United to other MTN Elite I clubs, he praised the management of Tiko United."It is a decision that is coming from my heart because of the gentility of its president, Charles Dikonge Eteki and their coach, Martin Kapyo who is so friendly. We all have the same passion for football and to work with people of this calibre is easy," he added.
Quizzed on the terms of his contract, he said they should not mention money."It is my decision to sensitise the youths not to run away from the country. They should stay back and build our football to the professional level."
Pagal said he would normally start playing with his new team on May 10."I have never played in Cameroon, this will be my first time of playing the championship and my professional career begins from here."
"For the fact that Tiko has given me this opportunity, I'll give all I have in terms of experience, motivation, enthusiasm and impetus," said Pagal, with a broad smile.
The Indomitable Lions midfielder, who has disappeared from the soccer scene for some time now, refuted allegations that he had been dealing in diamonds.
"People are saying that I am a diamond dealer, it is all lies. I have been studying information technology. I have even created a computer training centre where I manage it with my brother.
What I really do is to scout for African talents (black diamond) and my greatest wish is to find players with the qualities of Roger Milla." Charles Eteki, president of Tiko United confirmed to The Post by phone that Pagal has actually signed for Tiko United and has a licence. Hear him, "Pagal has a licence, but we did not sign him for money because he is not coming to play for money," Said Eteki.
Pagal is also alleged to have a diploma in coaching.Pagal was born in Yaounde on September 15, 1964 and has a height of 1.81 metre. He has played with European clubs like RC Lens, La Roche, AS Saint-Étienne, FC Martigues, Club América, R.F.C. Seraing and Carlisle United.
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