The provision of free tickets and transportation of people by the Limbe and Buea Councils has helped to swell numbers in the stadium.
Municipal authorities in the South West Region have given a push to the day two matches at the Limbe Ngeme Stadium. To ensure that the players feel the impact of the supporters, local authorities in their different styles mobilised the population to turn out massively. The Buea Council instituted a compulsory attendance for all it staffs, with transportation, entertainment and entry tickets provided. The over 200 workers impacted the turnout positively.
The Limbe city council on its part, offered free transportation, entry tickets, sport wears, entertainment to the population of the three Councils that make up the city. In a communique issued by the interim city mayor, the city council provided free entry tickets to more than 2000 football lovers. The actions of these authorities is a demonstration of their love for football.
Tiko Council on her part has created an Afcon village, where a giant TV screen has been mounted to enable the population follow up the tournament.
In Kumba, the Kumba I Council and the city council have also created different Afcon villages. The Afcon village acts as a magnate for all sport lovers to gather, watch matches and relax. Here drinks and other consumables are sold at subsidized prices.
Despite numerous threats from separatists, day 1, 2 and 3 matches were played hitch free. In Kumba, 95 percent of commercial bike riders and taxi drivers, sacrificed at least three hours of work, to watch the Lions play. The population have demonstrated that despite the present socio-political crisis, football still remains a strong and unifying factor.
Jude EFUTERCHA
