They are to take part in a tournament in Alicante from September 29 to October 6.

Some 18 players of the national U-15 selection left the country yesterday for Alicante-Spain to take part in a friendly tournament dubbed, Tournament of Five Continents’. Prior to their departure, information had circulated that the team was no longer going to travel due to the refusal of the Spanish embassy in Yaounde to granted visas to the squad suspecting that the delegation comprised candidates for illegal immigration. The coach was also suspected for receiving money from parents before short listing some players of the squad.

Contacted on the issue, the coach of minor national team, Felicien Nkoh, said the information was false and that it was the handiwork of people who wanted to blackmail him. He revealed that he had been mandated by the federation to do the paper work for the acquisition of visas for the players and some officials of the National Technical Directorate interpreted it as an attempt to extort money from the parents of players. As to allegations of receiving money from parents to select players, Felicien Nkoh said the shortlisted players were on the basis of merit and that as a civil servant for 23 years, he has no reason to soil his hands.

The head of the National Technical Directorate, Jean Manga Onguene, acknowledged to have heard about the allegations but said there was no proof. He however said an investigation has been opened and if the allegations are founded, a report will be addressed to FECAFOOT for disciplinary action.

According to the coach of the U-squad, Felicien Nkoh, the selection of the players was difficult due to the suspension of the youth championship and bracelet test. The shortlisted players come from football academies and all went through the bracelet test conducted by Dr Tamo before being finally included in the squad. It is the first time Cameroon is being invited to take part in the tournament and Felicien Nkoh says their ambition to make an honourable performance so as to create a good impression on the Spanish and make Cameroon proud. The organisers of the tournament are footing the bills of the cadet lions ranging from transportation to accommodation, passing through nutrition and health insurance.