South West 7-a-Side Executives and Regional Journalists Convene to Chart Way Forward
On Saturday, November 22, the South West 7-a-side football executive bureau took a step towards introducing the sport in the region, meeting with journalists to unveil the roadmap for their inaugural season.
The gathering, facilitated by Angu Lesley served as an avenue for a press briefing.
“Not Another Clandestine Movement”
Addressing the media, Angu Lesley tackled the skepticism that often accompanies new sporting initiatives. He assured stakeholders that the necessary legal and administrative groundwork had been meticulously laid over the past six months.
“Six months ago, I wasn’t aware of the sport, but groundwork got me on the page,” Lesley admitted candidly. “On the administrative side, everything has been done, so 7-aside is not another clandestine movement. It is a structured, legitimate platform for talent.”
This assurance was backed by the presence of top bureau members, including Vice President Philemon Mbale, who expressed deep gratitude for the media’s interest. “The fact that we all left our houses to come here means a lot,” Mbale noted, highlighting the collective hunger to see this project succeed.
The Roadmap: Kick-off in Buea
The high point of the meeting was the confirmation of the launch date. Following the session led by Secretary General Sylvester Esowe, it was confirmed that the ball will officially roll on December 11 at the Buea Town Stadium.
Media professionals, including Ndoumbe Jemea of Dream FM, welcomed the transparency, receiving detailed media kits to help them educate the public. “It was very important for us to exchange with the Southwest bureau,” Jemea stated.
Why 7-a-Side is the Next Big Thing for Cameroon
The arrival of a formal 7-a-side league in the South West represents a major shift in local sports culture. But what exactly is 7-a-side, and why is it perfect for Cameroon?
- It’s Not Just “Small Football”
Unlike the informal street soccer played on corners, organized 7-a-side ( governed globally by IFA7) is a tactical, fast-paced discipline.
The Rules: Played on a smaller pitch with smaller goals, it features seven players per team. Crucially, there is usually no offside rule, which encourages attacking play and high scores.
players in 7-a-side get roughly 2x more touches on the ball than in traditional 11-a-side games. This forces quicker decision-making and sharper technical skills.
- Bridging the Gap
For decades, Cameroon has produced world-class talent who honed their skills in unregulated small-sided games (quartier football). This new league bridges the gap between those informal games and professional football. It offers a pathway for players who excel at the technical, fast-paced version of the game but may not have opportunities in the crowded Elite One or Elite Two systems. - Fan-Friendly Spectacle
For the fans in Buea, the December 11 launch promises a more electric viewing experience. With smaller fields and constant transition from defense to attack, the game is designed for entertainment—fewer mid-field stalemates and more goal-mouth action.
