Bafoussam: Omnisport stadium turned into plantation

The Bafoussam Omnisport stadium, which has failed to arbitrate major sporting events, has now become a plantation for local residents.

This was realized during a field visit at sports infrastructure located at Kouogouo neighbourhood, a few days ago. The stadium was partly overgrown with tall grass at one side and the other side was a bean plantation.

The interior aspect of this stadium was even worse than the outside. Besides the playground, running track and bleachers, the rest of the stadium developed varied and diverse agricultural activities. Among the crops were banana, potato and cocoyam plants.

This stadium with a capacity of over 30,000 seats is now mentioned among the oldest sites in the world. The projected started in the late 70s, precisely in 1979, construction was abruptly interrupted. Nothing has been done since then. Nonetheless, there have been numerous promises about the completion of the stadium by ministerial portfolio in charge of sports.

The reasons for the blocking of this project that have consumed several FCFA billion remains a mystery. The idea of its completion was planned with the intention of Cameroon to host the AFCON 2019, was abruptly faded when they began construction of a new stadium with a capacity of 20,000 seats in Kouékong, a town close to the MiFi and Noun departments.

Moreover, the Bafoussam Omnisport stadium, which was abandoned even though it is 80% complete might finally find life in order to serve as training pitch of African football.