Walter Wilson Nana
28 April 2008
interview
Xavier Mbarga was the only home-based player with the Cameroonian National Football Team at the just ended Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations, ACN. Though he didn't have the opportunity to play,Mbarga came out still very elated to have been part of the special expedition.
At a recent stopover in Buea, with his team, Canon Sportif of Yaounde,taking on Mount Cameroon FC of Buea in one of the Day 20 matches of the on-going MTN Elite 1 league, Mbarga shared some of his experiences with The Post in this exclusive interview.
You were one of three Cameroonian keepers at the just ended Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations, ACN, how did you find the expedition?
It was a great and top level competition. We got to the final though we didn't bring the cup home. That's the world of football. We will work harder in subsequent editions.
The only home-based player amongst a squad of 22 professionals, how was your integration into the team?
It was a spectacular moment in my football career. The souvenirs will take a very long time to ebb-out in my mind.
Mbarga in the midst of Eto'o, Kameni, Souleymanou, Njitap and the other big names. Was it a relationship of younger and elder brothers?
They took me as their younger brother, helped my insertion into the team. Permit me say a big thank you to them.
You ended the competition without getting onto the green turf. How did you feel?
I went to the African Cup of Nations in Ghana to learn. I learnt a lot during my sojourn out there, especially hanging out with my elders in the profession and the other players I had the unique opportunity to interact with.
Is Mbarga the best home-based player in Cameroon to have merited a place in the Indomitable Lions' squad for Ghana 2008?
No!! No!! I'll say that I was just fortunate. Luck was on my side. This is an opportunity to say thanks be to God. There are many good goalkeepers and players in Cameroon. If I was chosen, I'll say it was God's will.
Your performance in Canon is an indication that you are amongst the best keepers currently in Cameroon?
You are the one telling me. Everyday, I work harder and in every match, I endeavour to invest my all into it. I'm yet to be convinced that I'm the best in Cameroon now.
How far do you intend to go in the business of football?
I'm still in Canon. I will continue to work harder everyday.
How will you describe your stay in Canon?
Canon is a good team. It is one of the greatest teams we've in Africa. I will ensure I contribute my own little quota to the already big name Canon has.
Are there requests coming for you from else where in the world?
Not yet!! I'll continue to work harder while looking forward to that.
What's your appreciation of Canon as they tackle the ongoing MTN Elite 1 League and the Cup of Cameroon?
Canon is a big team in Cameroon. We've to take the pole position in Cameroonian football. We've to pick as many points as possible to be amongst the top five on the league table.
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