Africa Is a Country

Football: The 11 Commandments of Rigobert Song

Africa Is a Country Podcast
African Five-a-Side Podcast

Football: The 11 Commandments of Rigobert Song

By
Elliot Ross

When the good Lord handed down the Decalogue to Moses atop Mount Sinai, he limited himself to just the ten commandments. The new boss of Cameroon’s national football team, Rigobert Song, is obviously more demanding.

Song met up with his team in Guinea-Bissau this week, and made them all sign up to a rousing 11-point “sermon”. Here is the English version, courtesy of the BBC:

  • The Cameroon national team is sacred, serving it is my only goal
  • The green-red-yellow is sacred, I shall wear it in every stadium, honour and defend it
  • Playing for my country is an honour, with loyalty, fidelity and courage I shall represent it
  • Each match and each selection is goodness shared with my people, my public and mates
  • With my team-mates I shall be strong, with friendship and solidarity my watchword
  • Respect for elders is a principle, from them I inherit this jersey, illustrious they handed it to me and glorious I will pass it on
  • I shall communicate with my coaches, comrades and officials, dialogue shall remain my strength
  • No matter the time and place, player or substitute I shall serve with enthusiasm and professionalism
  • I shall give my best in the field, I shall be humble and hold my head high
  • From North to South, East to West, I shall be a model for the youths of Cameroon and Africa
  • Indomitable I am, indomitable I shall remain

Blimey. Truth be told, it would be nice if Cameroon’s Lions were a bit less domitable than they’ve been of late. Despite having many of Africa’s most gifted players, including Rigobert’s Arsenal-based cousin Alex, and of course the world’s highest-paid footballer and timepiece obsessive Samuel Eto’o (who at one point was banned for an astonishing 15 matches) Cameroon have been all over the place since former French boss Paul Le Guen’s strife-riven spell in charge.

Maybe the Nigerians should try something similar?

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