The National Trade Union of Cameroonian Footballers (SYNAFOC) hosted an emotional and electrifying ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, to award Medals of Honor to 15 long-serving staff members. The event was presided over by the Divisional Officer (DO) of Douala III, Ayissi Mvogo Laurent.In his welcoming address, SYNAFOC President Geremie Njitap praised his collaborators for their selfless service to domestic football over the years and urged them to remain relentless in defending players’ rights.Reflecting on the journey of the institution, Njitap provided a brief historical overview of the union he has led since 2016.”Founded in 1996 by the late David Mayébi under the name AFC (Association of Cameroonian Footballers), our organization has been a member of the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) since 2001,” Njitap stated. “By 2011, it was officially recognized by the State of Cameroon as the sole trade union for the defense of footballers’ rights.”Addressing the Divisional Officer, Njitap highlighted the union’s internal stability and commitment to fair labor practices:”Mr. DO, the institution you are visiting today has existed for 30 years three decades during which its national and international credibility has never been questioned. During this time, SYNAFOC has acted as a responsible employer, ensuring a decent working environment and open dialogue. How could we do otherwise, when we are the ones demanding better conditions for footballers?”Njitap proudly noted that despite economic challenges in the sports sector, SYNAFOC staff have not experienced a single month of salary arrears since he took office in 2016. “This is precisely why our employees remain loyal. In 30 years, very few have left us. Among those being honored today are colleagues with 15 or more years of service. The wait for these medals was long, but it was worth it,” he added, while extending gratitude to the workers’ families and the local administrative authorities for their unwavering support.However,speaking on behalf of the recipients, staff representatives expressed profound emotion and pride, noting that the distinctions crown years of collective solidarity and a shared passion for the profession.The ceremony took on a deeply poignant tone as the beneficiaries paid tribute to SYNAFOC’s founder, David Mayébi, affectionately remembered as the “King of Petrol.””It is impossible to receive these medals without honoring his memory,” a staff representative noted during the collective acceptance speech. “Mr. Mayébi laid the foundations of this union. He instilled in us a culture of high standards, respect for well-done work, and collective play.
Though he is no longer physically with us, his living heritage breathes through our working methods. On behalf of the entire staff, we solemnly dedicate these distinctions to him.”Furthermore,for many, the event was a double commemoration. Friday, May 15, 2026, marked exactly ten years since David Mayébi passed away in 2016.Jacques Marcel Itiga, SYNAFOC’s Director of Communication with over 15 years of service, shared his bittersweet sentiments after receiving two medals: “I am very happy because this rewards the long run the work we have done day and night to defend footballers’ rights. However, it is a bittersweet day. We are commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of our founding father, David Mayébi, who left us on May 15, 2016. Even as we rejoice in our professional recognition, our thoughts and prayers are with his soul.”With the medals officially distributed and the celebrations concluded, the dust now settles at the SYNAFOC headquarters. The decorated staff return to their duties, re-energized to press forward for better working conditions so that Cameroonian footballers can truly enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Visionary Reports 
Leave a comment