Football – Cameroon: Paul Biya appoints Indomitable Lions legend Bell Antoine

Former indomitable Lions goalkeeper Joseph Antoine Bell has been appointed by Cameroon’s president Paul Biya via a presidential decree.

He will head the Committee of the National Office of Sports Infrastructures and Equipments (ONIES).

Formerly placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, the Office is now a public body with financial autonomy.

The National Office of Sports Infrastructures and Equipments is to ensure, through its expertise, the upkeep, maintenance, operation, security, development and sustainability of sports infrastructures and equipment, as well as specific related facilities made or given out by the state.

As such, the bureau is responsible in particular for;

– Developing an integrated management plan for sports infrastructure and equipment, as well as their ancillary facilities.

– To develop and implement a strategy and management or operating mechanisms aimed at controlling the costs in the upkeep and maintenance of sports infrastructure and equipment under its jurisdiction.

-Ensure the creation, conservation and updating of a physical and digital database of studies, plans and technical diagrams used in the construction of infrastructure and equipment.

– ONIES is to ensure the development of the skills of technical staff, executives and managers of the Office, particularly in the management and maintenance of sports infrastructure.

– Ensuring technological monitoring and technology transfer in the management and maintenance of sports infrastructure, when necessary, technical assistance in the various trades.

– Look over the administrative, financial and technical management of sports infrastructure and equipment.

-Ensure the maintenance in good working order, as well as the security of sports infrastructure and equipment; ensure routine upkeep and maintenance of sports infrastructure and equipment.

– Carry out the rehabilitation and renovation of sports infrastructure and equipments.

Bell, 68, made over 70 appearances for the indomitable Lions. He was part of Cameroon’s squad in three world cups between: 1982, 1990 and 1994. The latter won two AFCON trophies: 1984 and 1988. “JoJo” as he is popularly known played for prominent clubs in France including Marseille, Toulon, Saint Etienne and Bordeaux.