Cameroon’s Inter Milan striker Eto’o stirs Laikipia’s environs

By Oscar Pilipili

The appearance of Cameroon and Inter Milan superstar Samuel Eto’o in a local football tournament delighted fans in Laikipia District of Kenya’s Central Province.

Eto’o graced the final of Zietz Foundation-sponsored Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup where he is the patron.

The fans were not only jubilant because of the Cameroonian’s show at the event, but also with his promise to dedicate his first Serie A goal this season to Laikipians.

He further pledged to bring Inter Milan teammate Lionel Messi to next year’s tournament.

Cameroon’s Inter Milan striker Samuel Et’oo (left) playing for Laikipia United is tackled by Mathare United players in a friendly match in Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup at Nanyuki Municipal Stadium. Mathare won 1-0. [PHOTO: MARTIN MUKANGU/STANDARD]

"I will return next year with more friends on condition that you maintain the same spirit on conservation, peace and unity," he said.

Zeitz conceived Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup last month to promote peace and unity building and raise environment and conservation awareness.

"My first match at Inter Milan is on August 2 and I promise to dedicate my first goal to Laikipians for the good work you are doing on peace and environment, and I’ll greet Mariga (McDonald) on your behalf," he told a cheering crowd at Nanyuki Municipal Stadium.

Eto’o has always enjoyed massive support from Kenyan football fans.

Despite not having played for Cameroon during their friendly match against Harambee Stars, Eto’o was wildly cheered by fans at Kasarani last January.

Coming to Laikipia immediately after the recent Fifa World Cup in South Africa, Eto’o was star attraction in Laikipia, on and off the pitch. His presence elicited memories of the World Cup, what with the playing of the event’s official song waka waka and blaring vuvuzelas hitting feverpitch at the venue.

He first came into action during a demonstration of penalty shoot-out that involved diplomats, United Nations officials, medical staff, military personnel and conservationists.

He scored his penalty by sending goalkeeper Jochen Zeitz the wrong way.

The successful conversion sent ecstatic fans into such a delirium that a visitor could have been forgiven for imagining it was a trophy-winning goal.

An announcement that Eto’o would play for Laikipia United against Mathare United created an atmosphere of anticipation as fans kept on waiting to welcome in their midst the man they only watch on television.

He came onto the pitch, amid chants of Eto’o! Eto’o! Eto’o! With less than 10 minutes to the final whistle of the match that Mathare won 1-0. Eto’o joined the action after his brother Seage Essone Bikit who accompanied him.

Eto’o, who arrived in the country on Monday, expressed interest in creative midfielder William Muhinja and speedy left-winger Jamal Mohammed who both turn out for Mount Kenya super league side Nanyuki Sportiff.

He said: "I hope people involved in the tournament including myself will do their best to help all players realise their dreams."