Cameroon: Seedorf’s Enigma after a Victory in Five Games

After only a victory in five (5) games, Dutch coach Clarence Clyde Seedorf, 42, has left most Cameroonians on the pensive end. Fans of the Indomitable Lions are scratching their heads, fearing the antidote to the erratic coaching problem is still few-and-far-between.  

Seedorf and the entire team

The burden weighs heavier as the West African nation are continental champions. Having failed to attend the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the wish of every Cameroonian is retaining the Africa Cup of Nations - AFCON title at home in 2019. Of course, such will require a good team, tactics and aggression on the pitch. This brings us to the question of coaching. Is coaching the problem actually plaguing the West African giants?

It is now clear that Seedorf is enduring a slow start to his tenure since taking over in August this year. Ahead of the 0-1 loss in friendly against Brazil, the AC Milan legend defended his coaching career following mixed views on his kick-off. His ass has been arguably shoved by draws versus infamous Malawi and Comoros, and defeats to Morocco and Brazil.

Seedorf’s slow start may not be a surprise to many. It reminiscences his unsuccessful managerial spells in Italy, China and Spain, evidently questioning his coaching pedigree.  

According to popular opinion in the country, Seedorf may turn the tide around if he makes the right picks, manages players well. This has always been a herculean task for Cameroon coaches, with critics lashing out at football authorities for manipulation. After Volker Finke, came Hugo Broos. After scrappily winning the 2017 AFCON in Gabon, the Belgian’s contract was not extended. Seedorf has taken the reins but the difference is yet unclear.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder is however not moved by the fact that he coaching career is yet to glitter, rather saying he is ready to face any challenge. The litmus test lies just ahead as Cameroon defend the AFCON crown on home soil next June. 

Seedorf’s coaching career is in stark contrast to his playing days that saw him win four Uefa Champions League trophies. Cameroon football authorities chose him and fellow Dutch, Patrick Kluivert, backing out of talks with Sven Goran Eriksson following the Swede’s high wage demands.

                 Games overseen by Seedorf since August 2018:

 

                       Comoros 1-1 Cameroon

                       Cameroon 1-0 Malawi

                       Malawi 0-0 Cameroon 

                       Morocco 2-0 Cameroon

                      Cameroon 0-1 Brazil