Buea inhabitants decry sudden increase in passport price.

By Chihnwi Joshua

After the recent announcement of an increase in the cost of acquiring a passport, many inhabitants of Buea have been complaining and condemning this move by the government.

Front cover of a Cameroon passport.

A trader in Buea, whose son was trying to purchase a passport said “It is a very shocking decision to increase the price of getting a passport. Already the price was high at 75000F and the government instead increases it to 110000F? This is ridiculous.”

Another inhabitant of Buea, precisely at Buea Town also could not hide her feelings at this recent turn of events. She complained that this decision is not in the best interest of Cameroonians and that it is meant to exploit the citizens of this nation.

Passport price in Cameroon has increased by 35000FCFA.

It is actually sad because this is not the first time that the price of a passport in Cameroon has been increased. The cost was initially 30000FCFA, then it increased to 50000FCFA. In 2016, it was upgraded to 75000FCFA and just five years later, it is now at 110000FCFA.

Mr. Fontem, living in Molyko, Buea, feels that the government should instead be lowering the price so as to encourage youths to leave the country to better their lives and then return to develop their country.

The worry on many Cameroonians’ hearts is when this continuous price hike will stop. Well, experience has shown that this is not the last time we are seeing an increase in passport prices.

Matanda Ecotour helps reduce pollution at Wouri river.

By Chihnwi Joshua

The Wouri river has been under study from a number of environmentalists as they try to understand why the river is very polluted. Actually the Wouri river is the third most polluted river in Africa after the river Nile and river Niger.

Scientists have studied the issue of water pollution and have attributed the problem to poor waste management. Waste disposal has been a great problem in the Wouri river and Cameroon at large. Hence the association Matanda Ecotour, which also signifies Friends of the Mangrove have taken it upon themselves to study and help reduce the waste in the Wouri river.

Matanda Ecotour fights against water pollution

At the moment, more than 12000 kilograms of plastic waste have been collected and the association has plans of collecting a far greater quantity. They plan to collect over 700,000 kilograms before the year runs out. This waste is usually taken for recycling after being collected.

Matanda Ecotour workers in action

The President of Friends of the Mangrove Francois Dikoume is not happy about the bad waste management situation. He said “The quantity of fish is obviously reduced because the plastic waste suffocates the mangroves. If we don’t do something now, the mangrove will disappear, the fish will disappear, and if these two elements disappear, the river will disappear.” Actually, it will be devastating for the ecosystem if that was ever to happen.

Cameroon conclude preparations for Women Handball AFCON.

The Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi has called on the Cameroon Handball Federation (FECAHAND) to ensure that final touches are well put in order to successfully organize the Senior Women Handball Africa Cup of Nations (AFCAON) in Cameroon. He did this during the second preparatory meeting held in Yaounde in anticipation of the event.

Friendly match preparations ahead of the competition.

At the meeting, the President of the FECAHAND, Senator Raymond-Lippert Mbita talked about what had been done so far. He assured the Minister that the preparations were going on without any qualms. He said that the buses for transportation of players during the event were ready. He also ensured those at the meeting that these buses were comfortable.

The Preaident of the FECAHAND also mentioned that the Mfandena gymnasium, the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports complex, and the pitch at the National Advanced School of Public Works were undergoing conclusive renovation works.

The aspect of Covid-19 was also handled at the meeting. Priority will be given to the surveillance of everyone that will come in contact with the delegations and constant testing will be carried out.

It is vital to note that 12 nations will be taking part at this event. These nations are spread across 3 groups of 4 teams each with Cameroon being in group B along with Kenya, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cameroon will be playing their first game against Kenya. The competition will run from the 8th to the 18th of June 2021. We wish our players luck as we hope they win the tournament.

Jesse Lingard given extra chance to prove Southgate wrong.

Lingard in England colours

England will be playing the first of their two preparatory games for the Euro 2020 this evening against Austria. The England boss has decided to test his players in this game and has given one player in particular a “second chance”. Jesse Lingard has not been selected in the 26 man squad to represent his country at the Euro 2020 tournament. The player is however on the waiting list along with Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Ben Godfrey, James Ward-Prowse and Ollie Watkins.

Gareth Southgate made an interesting statement when he said “Jesse has had a good spell with West Ham and is someone who has played so well with England. He will start against Austria because Sancho is ill and a lot of players are not available. He deserves that opportunity to show me I am wrong straight away.”

Lingard had a rejuvenated season from January 2021. The Manchester United player, on loan at West Ham United scored 9 goals in 18 appearances. His goals greatly contributed to West Ham qualifying for the Europa league. He put in a lot of brilliant performances for David Moyes’ side who will be happy having ended the season beautifully.

Jesse Lingard celebrating a goal for West Ham

The 28 year old will see this rare start for England as an opportunity to force Gareth Southgate to change his mind and include him in the main Euro 2020 team. Given his form for the Hammers this season, it will not be a surprise if the England player ends the game tonight with a goal or two. Surely that will put some pressure on Southgate and might even force the gaffer’s hand.

Southgate made some comments about Lingard and the others on the waiting list. “We have to keep the standby players match ready in case they come back into the squad. They deserve it, their commitment to stay with the group, the respect for their team-mates to be here, shows what playing for England means to this group of players.”

Those words from Southgate sound motivational and hopefully they will be enough for Lingard as he tries to accomplish his wish of playing for England at the Euro 2020 competition.

Second stint at Real Madrid for Ancelotti after Zidane resignation

Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as manager of Real Madrid. The former Everton manager had guided the Toffees to 10th place in the Premier league in the just ended football season. After the resignation of Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid often known as the White House by the fans have decided to appoint Ancelotti at the helm of the club.

Ancelotti also comes with a heavy portfolio. He is considered as one of the most successful coaches in the world of football and is just one of three coaches with three Champions league trophies.

Ancelotti giving instructions to his team

The 61 year old Italian has signed a three year deal with Real Madrid as he said the move presented an unexpected opportunity. He also said “I have complete respect for everyone associated with Everton and hope they can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them. While I have enjoyed being at Everton, I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which I believe is the right move for me and my family at this time.”

The question now on the lips of many football fans is whether Ancelotti will be successful at Real Madrid. Well, the experience is there and the man Ancelotti obviously believes he has still got that special spark. Only time will tell!

Outstanding Chelsea deprive Man City of First Champions League Title

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The all English champions league final tussle for the second time in three years has finally come to an end. Football is a game of mystery and persistence and we saw that again tonight as Chelsea ran Man City over to win the Champions league by a 1 goal scoreline. The only goal of the game, scored by Kai Havertz was scored in the first half. Chelsea had a better start to the game, pressing high early in the first half while still being disciplined in defence.

Thomas Tuchel, who has now beaten Pep Guardiola 3 times this season, was very lively on the touchline as he motivated his team to press City in the first half. The Chelsea players kept pushing for a goal, and though Man City dominated possession, Chelsea had the better chances in the first 45 minutes. The Blues were rewarded with a goal for all their effort when Kai Havertz lashed onto a pass behind the Manchester City defence from Mason Mount to dribble Ederson and poke the ball home. The score board read: Man City 0-1 Chelsea.

Of course there was hope for Man City to come back into the game in the second half. An injury to Kevin De Bruyne early in the second half however made things very difficult. The Belgian, also considered City’s “heartbeat” was subbed off injured just when the Cityzens were building momentum to equalise.

Chelsea was having none of it and though City kept coming at them with the ball, the London club brilliantly held on to their 1 nil lead. It was a frustrating night for Manchester City as their crosses kept being headed away by the solid, commanding Chelsea defence. City fans could only watch as the time kept flying, yet with no goal for their club.

It was so difficult for Man City that even the introduction of Sergeo Aguero from the bench did not yield any fruits. Pep Guardiola showed signs of frustration as the game winded down. The robust Chelsea defence held steadfast to their 1 nil lead to eventually win the game in fascinating circumstances.

The race for the top four heats up as Leicester City host Chelsea

The Premier League has experienced a number of interesting changes in the past few days. Manchester City are already champions, confirmed when The Red Devils lost to Leicester City by a 2-1 scoreline. With 70 points on the table the Man United fans can be calm and happy because their beloved club have officially qualified for next season’s Champions League.

Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Man United has given them hope and instilled belief in the hearts of their fans. With 60 points on the table already and 3 more games to play, we might just see the Reds in the Champions league next season. Leicester City and Chelsea obviously have an advantage over Liverpool but with the two clubs meeting today, at least one of them is expected to drop points. The game might even end in a draw with both teams dropping points, thereby giving Liverpool more hope.

West Ham United have not given up on a top four finish either. Though their recent results have been pretty bad, the Hammers and their fans are prepared to give their all to upset one of the Big Six clubs to make it into the prestigious top four places. However with the momentum that Liverpool have got right now, they are the favourites of the two clubs to make it, if one of either Leicester City or Chelsea drop down. But to do that, Jurgen Kloop’s men would have to win their remaining three games and hope that the others drop points.

If Chelsea who have 64 points right now were to lose against Leicester City (66 points), then things would be even more interesting as they would be left with just one game to play and this would open the door to Liverpool. It is in the interest of Chelsea not to lose today because if they do, then Liverpool would just need to win their remaining three matches to overtake Chelsea on the final table. Surely, there are more interesting scenarios to come so far as this season is concerned and we would be happy to welcome them.