Elite One 2023/24: Draws, Modus Operandi Revealed

By Ngome Michael

Three out of last season’s four title contenders are drafted in a visibly group of death, pool A. While defending champions, Coton Sport have been placed in a tricky pool B, featuring Young Sport Academy of Bamenda.

With young and ambitious Victoria United FC and Fauve Azur penned to draw the curtain raiser on September 27, the path to this year’s playoffs is far from narrow.

Only top four from both groups will battle it out for the crown at the season’s dusk. The 11 remaining teams( 6 in Group A and 5 in Group B), square-up in the relegation playoffs.

Back to the draws.While pool B looks soft on paper, it must not be undermined for it houses Cameroon Cup finalist, Fovu Club, under Ndumbe Bosso who faces former employers, UMS whom he led to a 3rd group place finish last term.

Though Pierre Kouamo’s side threatened to back-out last season, but can be resolute when it comes to business on the turf. Out of continental duty this year Coton Sport have full focus on a possible 19th league.

Little is heard of YOSA on the transfer market but photages from training shows new recrutes have been made with the club’s predicaments in previous two campaigns are hoped to change after Ndikum Blaise was named head coach.

The Yellow Submarines in successive campaigns escaped relegation by a whisker (2021/22 on final day, 2022/23 defeat Eding Sport in playoffs), needs complete transformation to survive in this group.

Major departures like maskman Tegemo Emmanuel, midfield creative Cho Maxwell, Acha Lovis and Ndong Rudolph, leaves the club in a near vulnerable situation.

Victoria United whose objective is obvious has had a series of test matches in prelude to new season. Apejes, Avion Academy and Fauve Azur, “darkhorses” to compete against.

Onto the crux of the game, Bamboutos, Canon, Gazelle FA, Union Sportive, Astre and Colombe in Group A goes without saying that it is going to be a difficult nut to crack before emerging up the summit.

Canon Sportif will be set to break a two dacade jinx after finishing 2021/22 and 2022/23 in 3rd. Birwe and Soulemanou Aboubarkar achieved these feed. Captain Yves Mokoukou, and Emmanuel Mahop departures creates vaccum but squad depth seems solid with Henri Tchikeu and Ngong Neville still committed, Joseph Atangana seems to have a get go.

Bamboutos reported to operate under Gahannian tactician, Asare Bediako made a friendly win against Union with elite two recrute, Katche Boris hitting the target. Goalkeeper, Ekoi Manfred and Nsoh Fabrice form some additions to the team seeking right the wrongs of last playoffs.

Gazelle FA made its intentions clear at the start of last season with win over Union in Douala. The club with a young history took many off-guard when it finished top in pool B, dispatching Bamboutos 3-1. Alioum Kaba and team were more ferocious away from home throughout their campaign. Calice D’or, Alioum Kada and Marcelin Mbahbi key men in this team.

Astre got the better of neighbors Union over two legs last season but both sides had an average end. Massive additions have been to both squads and Oumarou Sokba, Nicolas Tonye have made way for Enerst Agbor and Jeunie Nguengom. The Nassara Kamamakai and Brazilians will need to up their game in Group A.

Since Clement Aroga deposited his coaching wealth at Dynamo, expectations have been sky-high and market purchases are on point. The Bon Ba Djob successfully convinced some huge names to join the project. Leonel Ateba, Etta Bawak, Kemajou Dibami, Julien Mamaso, returning Anye Derrick and even Mahlep Matthias from Angola.

Pre-seasons in Limbe and Yaounde shows plans an track with most recent 3-2 comback win against Fauve Azur. Group A is a real litmus test for the newbies.

PWD of will certainly have to deal with Cameroon Cup business before shaping up an arsenal to fire in this group. Constantine Bep’s success at the end of last season will be put to test. Aigle and Colombe remain teams to watch out.

The dice has been cast, speculations seem to have no place in the elite one this season.

Matchday-1 Fixtures:

Fauve Azur Vs Victoria United—Group B

Pool A
Dynamo vs AS Fortuna
Astres vs Aigle
PWD Vs Bamboutos
Canon vs Colombe
Gazelle vs Union

Pool B:

Coton vs Stade Renard
Fovu vs Apejes
Avion vs UMS

YOSA is on standby.