NW Regional Football League: Zenithe Insurance powers Bafmeng United to victory.

Fon Ndecham Maxwell of Bafmeng, President of BUFA and Chief Executive Officer, CEO and Managing Director of Zenithe Insurance, was instrumental in ensuring the club gets to higher heights this season. 

The club from Menchum Division, is now eyeing an Elite Two ticket for next season, as they get ready to represent the Region at the 2023 National Interpools, scheduled to kick off this weekend in Yaounde.

BUFA outclassed former Elite Two club, Bang Bullet of Nkambe, at the final of the mini-interpools tournament, on Sunday July 9.

The emotion-packed final was played at the University of Bamenda football playground in Bambili.

Both Bafmeng United and Bang Bullet came into the final, with unbeaten records through the group stages and the knockout phase of the league.

Bang Bullet dominated the game at kickoff. The pressure they mounted on their opponent eventually paid off, when Julian Pius’ strike on 20 minutes gave the Donga Mantung club the lead.

There were several other chances created by both clubs which didn’t pay off until the last minutes of the first half, when Briand Atanga restored parity for BUFA. The score at half time stood at 1-1.

Coach Simplice Soh of BUFA and Dominique Njomo of Bang Bullet, both made substitutions during the second segment of the game, bringing in fresh legs to fight for the match winner.

BUFA had a better second half than their opponents. Their attacking prowess paid off when former PWD Bamenda marksman, Awudu Lukong, netted his club’s second goal on 72 minutes.

Several attempts by Bang Bullet to restore parity were thwarted by the club from Bafmeng.

Club’s path to being crowned champions

BUFA was among 32 clubs that entered the race for the North West Regional League for the just concluded season.

They played in Group B alongside Bang Bullet of Nkambe, Nso United, Option Sports, Benakuma FC, Grace of Hope and Highland Rangers of Santa.

In five matches played in the group stage, they won two, drew three; scoring 7 goals and conceding just one. The club finished second in the group behind Bang Bullet.

Going into the knockout stage of the league, BUFA faced Rockland FC of Belo at the quarterfinals. Bafmeng United overpowered Rockand on a 3-2 aggregate score; winning 2-1 during the away leg and drawing 1-1 in the reversed fixture.

Their next hurdle was Tubah United at the semifinal. After a 1-0 in the away fixture, BUFA bounced back more stronger during the second leg, defeating the club from Mezam Division by 3-1 to progress to the final on a 4-1 aggregate score.

Their qualification for the final of the North West Regional League was the first in the history of the club and they succeeded to qualify for the National Interpools tournament.

Individual talents recognised 

Besides winning the Regional Championship title, there were also individual distinctions for BUFA and other clubs that competed in the Regional League this season.

Coach Simplice Soh and shot stopper, Ngam Leonard, both of Bafmeng United, were voted Best Coach and Best Goalkeeper of the season respectively.

The top scorer of the season crown went to Ngufor Terence of Hilltop Strikers FC of Bamendankwe. He finished the season with 9 goals. Julian Pius of Bang Bullet finished the season as Best Player.

Governor Lele L’Afrique salutes FECAFOOT NW

North West Chief Executive Officer, Governor Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, who gave the kickoff and sat through the final of the mini-interpools on Sunday, congratulated the regional bureau of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, for the successful organisation of the football season. 

For their part, FECAFOOT North West boss, Mbigha Felix and his Secretary General, Ndi Tsiembom Elvis, got letters of congratulations in recognition for a job well done. 

The government official also saluted the quality of football talents that the Region has. He promised to rally all stakeholders in the Region behind Bafmeng United. 

Club heads to Yaounde

The new North West Regional Champions are expected in Yaounde later this week to kick-start preparations for the National Interpools tournament.

They will play in Group B of the 10-club competition alongside Olympique of Biwong Bane, Pouma FC, Krimi of Garoua and Ngaoundere FC. 

BUFA’s first game comes up on Saturday July 15 against Krimi FC of Garoua. 

The club is looking to secure qualification to Elite Two and bring to five the number of North West Region clubs competing in the elite championship.

The National Interpools will see the 10 Regional representatives compete for two available Elite Two tickets next season.

The tournament will run from July 15 to 30, 2023, in Yaounde.