Coaches-Players: Woman To Woman

As early as before 8 a.m. yesterday, May 5, 2026, the girls of Dja Sports Academy of Meyomessala were already at the Kondengui Prison field to continue preparing for the return leg of the Guinness Super League championship. Coach Bernadette Anong, began with a strong briefing with the girls. Although we could not get her exact words, it was clear that she was encouraging the players to remain committed, with the results sure to follow. Most striking was her soft tone. She spoke calmly, but with great confidence, and the players’ reaction clearly showed that she was touching their consciences and boosting their morale to maintain the momentum. Being second in the standings at the end of the first leg was the fruit of hard work and, no doubt, the good coordination of Coach Bernadette Anong. To the players, Coach Anong is more of a mother who understands them even in the most difficult situations. Having played football in the past, the coach herself says she perfectly understands the realities they face and has been through them. Thus, she strives to provide adequate solutions. She did not fail to underline concerns when the girls are on their monthly flow. Being a woman, she understands exactly what that period feels like, knows the kind of training to assign at such moments, and the type of work to give the players. It is the same fluid communication that exists between Coach Josiane Nsim of Louves Minproff and her girls. We met the team engaged in a preparatory session on May 4, 2026, at the Acacias field in Biyem-Assi, Yaounde. Just like Coach Bernadette Anong, Josiane Nsim was having a frank talk with her players. At times she would raise her voice for emphasis and calm it when she sensed press...