Théophile Abega: “DocEastafricanreport
Despite his death on November 15, 2012 following a heart attack, at the age of 58, the story of the Cameroonian legend and his amazing dribbling continue to be told.
Theophile Abega@ Eastafricanreport
He was one of the greatest footballers of his generation in Africa. The best of the continent in 1984 and a legend in Cameroon. Théophile Abega was a marvel on the pitch. Any good observer of the game knows that he was one of those players who could do everything with a ball. Generally camped in the middle of the field, he directed the maneuver, directed the game, made his opponents dizzy, offered goal balls and did not hesitate to score some himself. Often by surgical strikes of which he alone had the secret. A virtuoso who has become a conductor over time.
Although they are eternal, legends eventually die. And fate willed that the one who called himself “Doctor” died on November 15, 2012, at the age of 58, after a heart attack. The tragedy occurred in Yaoundé, the city where he refined his career, where he showed the world that football was made for artists. “ He is one of those players whose legends have guided my steps and my desires. Putting on the armband he proudly wore is now more than an honor for me, and his disappearance is a tragedy for football ,” Samuel Eto’o reacted at the time.
The revelation at the Canon of Yaoundé
Born on July 9, 1954 in Nkomo, one of the poor districts of Yaoundé, Théophile Abéga fell into the cauldron of the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium at a very young age. Barely recruited by Canon Sportif de Yaoundé, he delivered his first match in the Cameroon Cup final in 1977. On the bench at the kick-off, it was he who offered victory to his team during extra time. This is the beginning of a long history with the mythical club of Mvog-Ada.
Théophile Abéga quickly became titular and captain of the “Mekok Mengonda”. With the Rouge et Vert, he won trophies at national and continental level. He won the national championship 4 times (1977, 1979, 1980 and 1982) and an African Cup Winners’ Cup (1979). But also two African Champion Clubs’ Cups (1978 and 1980) respectively ahead of Hafia Conakry from Guinea and AS Bilima from DR Congo.
Honors
Already endowed with a good reputation in the Cameroonian capital, Théophile Abega joined the national team. He will become the captain and leader of the first golden generation of the Indomitable Lions who finish undefeated at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Two years later, the best Cameroonian player of the years 1982 and 1983 offered the first title of African champion to his country ( CAN 1984 ). He was elected best player of the tournament, before winning the same year the Ballon d’Or which rewards the best player on the continent. His leadership and brilliant performances opened the doors to France for him.
The man with 37 selections with Cameroon arrives in Toulouse (France) the day after this victorious CAN. He played 22 games and scored 3 goals in all competitions with Téfécé. Then he flew to Vevey in Switzerland (1895-1987). This time, his stay does not go as he would have hoped. Despite the 41 games played and the 6 goals scored, an internal crisis at the club and a knee operation forced him to put an end to his career.
From football to politics
Back in his native Cameroon, in 1989 he became president of Canon Sportif de Yaoundé. An emblematic figure of the city, he was co-opted by the caciques of the ruling party, the Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People. One thing leading to another, Théophile Abéga forged solid relationships in the political field. Party executives first contributed to making him deputy mayor of the commune of Yaoundé IV (1996-2002). Five years later, he was elected mayor of the same town. Position he will occupy until his death… five years later.
Theophile Abega@ Eastafricanreport
@ Eastafricanreport® From our correspondent in Cameroon,
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NINAHAZWE Dianneeastafricanreport.com
