By Doh James Sonkey
Cameroon is currently playing host to the Orange U17 Elite Cup – FECAFOOT – FIFA TDS Cup.
The announcement was disclosed at a press conference jointly granted last April 30, 2026 at Cameroon Football Federation by Orange Cameroun and FECADOOT officials.
The leading company in the telecommunications sector in the country, Orange Cameroun said the tournament is matching their aspiration as it will enable U17 players to be detected for the National Football squad.
The press conference was attended by the new Director of Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility at Orange Cameroun, Catherine Reine Mbengon, Senior Manager Brand and Communication at Orange Cameroun, Venant Pouemi, FECAFOOT representative at the occasion, Camille Loe and Adviser to FECAFOOT President, Franck Happi.
Addressing reporters, the Adviser to FECAFOOT President, Franck Happi explained that ‘‘the competition features 54 youth academies, structured in zonal pools, aiming to restructure youth football and identify future talent, with a final phase scheduled for May 2026.
He said it is aimed at creating a structured, competitive pathway for young footballers and strengthen the national team’s pipeline (Future Lions).
Thanks to Orange Cameroun, FECAFOOT will be rebuilding youth football infrastructure through intense competition, following a selection process for elite academies.
He disclosed that the competition falls within FIFA Talent Development Scheme, an international initiative aimed at reinforcing the training of young talents through the U17 players.
In a chat with the press, Venant Pouemi explained that, “Following the signing of a protocol of agreement between Dr. Patrick Benon, Director General of Orange Cameroun, and Mr. Samuel Eto’o Fils, President of the Cameroon Football Federation, regarding the setting up and organisation of a tournament called Orange U17 FIFA TDS, we mobilised the partners of the press and communication to present them with the opportunities and challenges of this tournament, which has begun and which will know its final phase in the coming days. The Orange U17 FIFA TDS allows us to go to the different regions to make the children under the age of 17 play, to select those who have the required qualities and then regroup them in Yaoundé for a national phase, during which we will determine the type of team of the Indomitable Lions U17.’’
To the Senior Manager Brand and Communication at Orange Cameroun, ‘‘it is a great innovation in the field of football and in the accompaniment of global youth, which is one of the priorities of Orange Cameroun since its arrival. We remind you that for more than 25 years, we have accompanied the various selections of Indomitable Lions, which allow the international spread of the Cameroonian youth. Subsequently, we have facilitated the pleasure of playing by accompanying the holiday championships in the different neighbourhoods.’’
He said Orange Cameroun is also concerned with the training through the accompaniment of the various school and university games and more recently the accompaniment of the national football academy, which is formed in the so-called Cameroonian regions. “Today, we are really proud to present you with a bridge tournament, a unique meeting where all Cameroon can attend the pre-selection of the indomitable Lions U17 team.”
Since 1999, Orange Cameroun has imposed itself as a major stakeholder in the promotion of Cameroonian football. Its commitment covers the whole sport ecosystem from elite football to football at the grassroot.
Orange Cameroun is inviting the general public and families to come and support the youth talents, who have the opportunity to pass from quarter players to future Indomitable Lions and realise their dreams.
