Chedjou: EX Lions’ Star Wins Hearts With Inaugural Youth Football Tourney

former Cameroonian International defender, Aurélien Bayard Chedjou Fongang — alongside his wife and foreign partners, have successfully organized a 3-day youth football tournament in Douala, Cameroon.

The tourney baptized :’ Chedjou Sports Consulting U16 Tournament’ was only birthed this year, but seemed like had been existing for ages.

Six prestigious academies: Ecole de foot, Kadji Sports Academy, AS Nylon, Real Foot, AS Binya and Galactique participated, with Ecole de foot (EFBC), stacking more victories, but no trophy was handed at the end, as it was agreed in the beginning by organizers.

Aurelien Chedjou ended his international career as an established player for clubs and country, and his vision is to see many other kids follow the trail.

From his humble beginnings at Pau FC, Chedjou has never been shy to put his body on the line for a team-saving tackle, but he has a heart of gold, and his soft spoken nature speaks volumes on his character.

After a successful start of the youth tournament, Chedjou told Journalists that the objective was attained because the team saw talented kids and how they expressed themselves. ‘We will work together to ensure that the next tournament is more interesting.’ He added.

‘We saw some quality from the lads, despite the fact that the climatic conditions at some moments were not favorable.’

The erstwhile French champion with Lille equally thanked the fans for turning up massively, for the games.

‘Thanks to the fans who answered present. With these fans around, the kids felt the need to express themselves more.’ The 36-year-old ended.

Close to Chedjou was his wife, who came in as a partner to the tourney. It was utter satisfaction as well for Leonie Chedjou, as she stated why her organization decided to back her husband.

‘We choose to accompany Aurelien because he is someone who gave his all while playing for the nation, and he is willing to give his all for these kids to succeed. We (Micasa) didn’t come for profit making, but to support the project.’

The general coordinator of the tournament, Abah Jean Jacques, equally had some good remarks about the first edition of the tourney.

‘We are satisfied because we gave the opportunity for these kids to express themselves, and they did. We liked the play style the kids tried to show.’

With the dust unsettled on why why there was no winner in the tournament, Jean-Jacques replied;

‘The objective wasn’t to get a winner, but, to detect talents.’

Complete tournament results

First Day

EFBC 7-1 Galactique FA
KSA 1-1AS Nylon
Real Academy 1-1 AS BINYA

2nd Day
AS BINYA 1-1 AS Nylon
KSA 0-2 Galactique FA
EFBC 4-0 Real Foot Academy

3rd Day
AS BINYA 0-0 Galactique FA
AS NYLON 3-1 Real Foot Academy

EFBC 2-0 KSA

For Starers, Chedjou’s big breakthrough came when he signed for Lille at the start of the 2007–08 season, and for over five years he made over 150 league appearances for the club, helping them to a third Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France success in 2011. He scored his first UEFA Europa League goal on 21 October 2010 against Levski Sofia after a Stéphane Dumont assist to help his team to a 1–0 win.

Chedjou’s performances with Lille led to him being scouted by several prominent European clubs.

On 25 May 2013, Chedjou passed his medical and signed for four years with Galatasaray.

In 2013–14, Chedjou played every minute of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League campaign, scoring in the round of 16 home leg against Chelsea.

Chedjou made 119 appearances during a four-year stint with Galatasaray that saw him win the league title in 2015 and three straight Turkish FA Cup titles in 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well as three Turkish Super Cups in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

In the summer of 2017 Chedjou joined Istanbul Basaksehir on a free transfer. However, he broke his ankle in the pre-season preparatory camp and had to wait for his debut.

On 2 September 2019, he signed two-year contract with Amiens SC. He later returned to Turkey where he hung his boots after a successful career. At International level, Chedjou played the quarter finals of the 2010 AFCON, and was in Cameroon’s 2010 and 2014 World Cup squads.