Leocadia Bongben
10 October 2008
Indomitable Lions Coach, Otto Pfister has admitted that there is enormous pressure on him in his selection of players.
Pfister made the revelation October 7 during a press conference in Yaounde.According to him, in spite of the pressure, he is not influence in his choice of players in the national team.
Pfister told reporters that in the build up of the Lions next match; he has put off his phone because calls are coming in from all directions to pressure him to include players in the team.
He said when a player proves his worth in international clubs; he is automatically included in the national team. He said their behaviour in and out of the playground is equally taken into consideration. He said he has added 10 players that were not in the CAN.
The Coach made the clarifications, especially as he has been criticised for continuously retaining old players in the squad while there are rising talents.Also, Pfister decried the absence of friendly matches, adding that he would love to meet with strong adversaries.
He said, though it is not his place to negotiate for friendly matches, if given maximum support he could negotiate if those concerned are not doing their work. He refuted allegations that he refused the match between Cameroon and Greece.
So far, two FIFA dates, 26 March and October 6, have passed without Cameroon organising a friendly match. Pfister has announced that the Lions would meet the South African team during the birth day celebration of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela, on November 19.
According to Pfister, the most important thing is to test new players, ameliorate play style and plan an offensive game. He expressed his determination to qualify the Lions for the 2010 Nations and World Cup competitions in Angola and South Africa, respectively.
Evaluating his 10 months as Coach of the Lions, he said he has made progress, considering that the Lions are currently the first team in Africa and 14th on FIFA ranking, one of the three, besides Benin and Nigeria, to qualify for the just-ended qualifying round for the African Cup of Nations.
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