Former Harambee Stars defender urges Kenya to take advantage of Cameroon's boardroom wars

Former Harambee Stars defender James Situma has tipped the Stars to capitalise on the incessant off-the-pitch issues bedeviling Cameroon when the two sides settle scores in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match in Younde on October 11.

Situma believes the constant supremacy battles between the Cameroon government  and the Football Federation (FACEFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o could benefit Kenya in the 2025 AFCON qualifier.

Kenya top group J on four points, same as Cameroon but by superior goal difference over the Indomitable Lions.

«The constant conflicts between Eto’o and the government have somehow distabilised the team. It is always difficult for players to get positive results when operating in an environment that is not conducive. If we capitalise on their internal issues, we will get something from the two matches,» Situma revealed to

The Cameroon government and Eto’o have differed on many occasions after the former striker took charge of the Cameroon Federation in 2021. The friction, triggered by several factors, among them the control of the team, have significantly contributed to the decline of what was once a household name in matters football, globally.

Cameroon have three wins in their last 10 competitive matches, a run of results which heavily contrasts the form of yesteryears. Five key players last month found themselves at the centre of power struggles between the government and FACEFOOT. They were blocked at the Douala Airport and directed to a different hotel than originally planned by the federation.

«It’s no longer a secret that Eto’o enjoys a good relationship with the players. We know his influence in the team and his absence may end up affecting him in one way or the other which is good for us,» Situma continued.

Kenya will host Cameroon in the return match four days later at the Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.