Queens of the Market.
Encouraged by the victories of the Indomitable Lions, market women in
Cameroon have been showing some football class of their own

This year's international women's day provided the opportunity for
Cameroon's market women to organise a tournament for six womens teams in
Yaounde.

It was the third edition of the tournament, and provided much fun, with the
rule book taken with a pinch of salt.
Each team had 20 players, 11 starters and nine possible substitutions.

The off-side rule was waived, and games consisted of two halfs of 30 minutes
each.

The referees were told not to strictly apply the rules.

The game was sweeter that way.

According to the supervisor of the tournament, Mr. Paul Ndjiki of the
delegation of women's affairs, the competition was aimed at helping the
women keep in shape.

"We also want to get them enjoy the national game of football. They have
been seeing their children play and win big competitions. So let them also
get fun from it", Ndjiki added.

Age is no barrier.

The oldest lady in the tournament was 54-year-old Stephanie Onguene who had
some fun.
As a central defender, she helped her team from the Mokolo market reach the
final which they lost 0-1 to Elig-Edjoa.

She had some spectaculars moments that won her applause from the crowd.

"I started football when I was eight, but was forced to abandon it by a
family decision which even stopped boys from concentrating on football" said
Stephanie.

Undulating ground

"Even my husband did not want to see me enter a football pitch, but when
this competition was launched, I decided to come in."

Stephanie, who is a mother of seven, decided to make up her own mind about
playing football .

"I am too old for my husband to decide what is good for me. After all,
sports is to help me keep fit and I find great fun playing" she said.

The women wore an interesting array of kit for the games which were played
on rough and undulating terrain.

The final was played at the University of Yaounde ground, and was watched by
the minister of women's affairs, Catherine Bakang Mbock.

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