After arriving late last night we are now unpacked and have just finished a days training sessions with some very talented and enthusiastic local coaches who are already up and running in putting on some excellent classes. it is really heartening to see so many people play in Cameroon enjoying cricket and spreading the word in a country where football is far and away the most popular sport, and where HIV/AIDS is such an enormous issue.
After my first day in Cameroon – and Africa – the most striking thing is the enthusiasm for cricket and the warmth of the people, who take every chance to ask us questions and find out more about their European visitors. Yaounde is a bustling, vibrant city, full of energy and movement. It clearly faces challenges but the warmth of the Cameroonian people is immediately obvious.
We have already decided that cricket won’t be the only competitive sport on the trip. Cameroonian shop signage is truly outstanding, and we fully intend to turn sign-spotting into a competition. Also, the wonderful African dress-sense was in full effect today, as people made their way to church in colorful dresses, suits and robes. We are now on the lookout for the best outfits we can find over the next fortnight.
Next, the real coaching begins. We travel to several Yaounde schools this week to run training sessions. The team spirit is very good and we’re looking forward to all the sessions this week and then travelling to Buea next weekend.
On y va!
This has made me even more impatient for next week, if that were at all possible!
Will be following your exploits closely – have fun guys!!
SJ, team Uganda