In this interview, the captain of the Indomitable Lionesses also spoke about her relationship with Gaëlle Enganamouit.
The interview was something like this ;
Tell us about your beginnings as a footballer and the difficulties encountered within the family as a young Muslim girl.
‘I started playing football in my village in Foumban. Each time during the vacation period I took part in championships called “inter-district”. In 2006, I played for the top cup with the boys because at that time I didn’t know there was women’s football. At the end of this competition, I was selected for the Brasseries training center in Bafoussam. Only, the family opposed this idea because I was a minor and I could not go and live among the boys since at that time there was not a female section at the Brasseries. This is where the family started to ban me from playing football. My daddy gave my mom ultimatums not to let me play football for the sake of their relationship.
Everyone said that a Muslim woman should not play football, since religion comes first. You absolutely need people who encourage you to get out of this. Fortunately, some uncles who believed in me were able to convince my parents to let me live my dream.
In 2007, I was on vacation with my grandmother in Douala, during a vacation championship, I was noticed by a certain Mr. Eloundou, president of the Frantz Rolisec club, with whom I got involved. In 2008, I was noticed by Enow Ngachou, at the time national coach of all women’s categories in Cameroon. In 2010, I signed my first professional contract in Russia where I spent three seasons with FC Eningia. And in 2014, I went to the United States for two seasons. In 2016, I headed to Sweden for two seasons as well before signing for Norway where I am currently at FcValerenga.
What is your opinion on the controversy surrounding some Zambian players accused of being men?
Honestly, I don’t know if they are men or women. I remember that in 2018, the Zambian captain did not play the Women’s African Cup of Nations because the African Football Confederation asked she should be examined to make sure that she is indeed a woman. Now people say she has more male hormones than that of females. But hey, now this girl is playing in Europe, I don’t know if in her club she also passed exams or not. In any case, let’s wait for the outcome of this affair.’
How do you manage to combine your professional and family life?
‘I was only 18 when I got professional and all I was interested in then was playing football. However after each meeting I try to call the family to reassure them that everything is going well. Today I encourage families to let their daughters practice this beautiful profession. To believe in them. Today, I make a living playing football. With hard work and determination, any young girl can make it happen.’
What do you say to those who think that the phenomenon of “lesbians” is more developed in the world of women’s football?
‘You know, in the world of football we always think that footballers are tomboys, but I remind you that there are footballers who are just male in shape, yet at home if you are told that she plays football you will not believe. I really think people have to stop believing that footballers are “lesbians”, because in all areas there is the phenomenon of homosexuality. But people look back on women’s football because the body type of girls gives that impression. A footballer doesn’t have to be homosexual.
As far as I’m concerned, I’m not yet married. I plan to get married and have children after my career because I still have some goals to achieve.’
Tell us about your relationship with Gaëlle Enganamouit
‘I have a good relationship with Gaëlle Enganamouit. This is my generation, we entered the national team in 2008. With the other girls, today we are a good group, even outside the selection, we keep in touch because we are now a family.’
Do you feel like you lack international recognition as an African footballer?
‘I would just say that I still have a lot to prove, because there are also a lot of good players in the world who are not equally rewarding like me. I will continue to work, give the best of me, hoping for some rewards.’
This content was originally published here.