Being at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon has created a proud and glorious feeling in me.
Of course it is the biggest football tournament I have ever attended, and it feels special and historical being part of this – African football’s greatest showpiece. Yet, I can only imagine what a footballer taking part in it must feel. To be representing one’s country should be one of the highest honours for anyone. I guess I would give anything to be Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane or Gabon’s Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
But even with the glamour that comes with being at such a stage, it is funny that such players as Liverpool’s Joel Matip see no value in it. He opted to concentrate on club career and not play at the Afcon, which was a smack in the face of the Cameroonians he had been expected to represent.
Not that anyone ever remembers that he ever played for Cameroon at the Afcon before, let alone miss him at this point in time. But it is high time Fifa came out strong on such characters who refuse to represent their countries at the Afcon, by meting out big punishments on them, to protect the sanctity of this historical tournament.
While the timing of the Afcon (being played in January during the course of major European leagues) is not the most ideal, it must be appreciated that it is the way it is. And the likes of Matip must respect that until something changes. But to act in a manner that appears to disregard the Afcon cannot be tolerated.
Therefore, instead of Fifa waiting for Jurgen Klopp to mull over whether to field him or not during this time because he is not sure of the ramifications, they should actually be stern and steadfast. Fifa must state it boldly that African players who dishonour national duty must never play for the length of the tournament.
The antics of the likes of Matip threaten to water down the tournament, especially when they know they can get away with it. Inevitably, others will in future do the same, which makes suspensions and fines ideal for now. Player nonsense can only be tolerated enough.
And then the fans deserve as much respect as the likes of Matip would clamour over. Like I am sure night will always follow day, Matip is a real schemer. I can bet that if Cameroon qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he will want to be part of the party, yet he has just snubbed the Afcon call-up.
It is for that reason that Matip and his ilk will never retire from national duty. He is just sitting on the fence, waiting to choose when or not to represent Cameroon, as if he owns the country! This is a high level hypocrisy that, without doubt, puts Matip in the hall of shame.
Let him remain there for good rather than holding Cameroon to ransom. In fact, it is really disturbing especially when you think about it, and clearly realize that Matip is just above average. There is nothing special to write home about him, honestly. This space should have gone to the wonders done by someone like Mane, instead.
But because of the negativity on the whole Afcon spectacle his attitude could cause, considering him as an entry point is inevitable. He is simply a footnote. And, therefore, should have treasured the opportunity to try and walk in the footsteps of Cameroon greats such as Rigobert Song.
That said, Fifa has an opportunity to protect its product by nipping in the bud vices that threaten the power of football. Footballers, even for all the stakes they have in it, being the entertainers, cannot call the shots in disregard of the fans.
Senegal’s Diafra Sakho refused to play at the 2015 Afcon, yet remained playing for West Ham United. For incidents like that to go on unabated with punitive measures, only threatens the sanctity of Afcon, which is simply a nucleus of the football soul, from which Fifa gets a lot of money.
If absenteeism of players becomes a trend, you cannot guarantee fans watching. This will compel TV to move out, and so will other tournament title sponsors. In the end, Caf will become bankrupt and the game in Africa will be deduced to nothing. You would not want that, Fifa!
As for Matip, action is going on well without you here in Gabon. Nicholas Nkoulou is defending well while Benjamin Moukandjou just delighted the fans with a beautiful free kick for Cameroon in the game against Burkina Faso. And the entire team looks like they are ready for the quarter-finals as they sit comfortably atop group A.
jovi@observer.ug