Thérèse Manguele : « The practice of football by women must be equal to that of men in all aspects »

Thérère Manguele arrived by pure chance in the world of football 23 years ago. In two decades, she has become one of the major figures of football in Cameroon. In 2018, she was appointed Secretary General of the « Cameroon Women’s Football League ». She is currently on all fronts to develop Cameroonian football, and more specifically, its practice by women. In this interview, she shares her experience.

Who is Thérèse Pauline Manguele? 

I am of Cameroonian nationality. I was born in the Central Region. I am married and mother of 04 children. I have a degree in Business and Administration Management. I specialized in Football Administration and Management with FIFA and CAF, an activity I have been practicing for 23 years. I am very involved in the development of football in Cameroon and I have made it my daily focus.  

What is the path that brought you to the head of the « Women’s Football League » of Cameroon? 

First of all, it should be noted that I have never been a great sportswoman. Sport was not my favorite pastime. My passion was born afterwards. I arrived in football by the greatest of coincidences. In search of a job, the Cameroon Football Federation offered me an opportunity that I accepted with much hesitation. Right away, the environment seemed very « hard » to me. Very quickly, my adaptability took over. I found a lively world, very different from other sectors of activity. I came for a few months, but I have now spent my entire professional life there and I have climbed the ladder: Executive Assistant, Head of Administrative Department and General Secretary at the Federation, at the Professional Football League of Cameroon and today at the “Women’s Football League” of Cameroon. 

What challenges have you faced throughout your career?

My integration into football has not been easy. Adversity surrounds you every day. Men always try to get you to let go, especially that in Africa they come from different backgrounds. You come to violate their den! They do not accept that a woman can take control, especially in the management of their « business ». To survive, you have to beat them professionally; impose yourself as a sure value and create a need in them as it is true that football has four fundamental pillars (administration, training, refereeing and sports medicine) where everyone can find themselves.

What about the practice of football by women in Cameroon today? 

Women’s football in Cameroon has reached an acceptable level internationally with its participation in major competitions, the most prestigious of which was the 2016 World Cup in Canada. With the establishment of a « Women’s Football League » in 2018, our first task, the Board of Directors and I, is to proceed with the reorganization of championships and other competitions on the national level, their restructuring being the first step. In the mid- term, we will have a cartography including all the categories for a better competitiveness during the participation of the aforementioned categories in the various competitions at the African or even world level. We are talking about Seniors, Juniors, Cadets and Minimes. To achieve this goal, in collaboration with the National Technical Directorate (DTN), programs in training, refereeing and other related activities are developed for women. 

What are your struggles today as Secretary general of the « Women’s Football League »?

The fight that is closest to my heart is that of eliminating the discrimination that women suffer on a daily basis in the management of sport in general and football in particular. Specifically, my action should aim at integrating women at all levels of decision-making in sports institutions, as well as raising awareness among women to encourage them to be interested in football activities.  

What are your ambitions?

In the mid- term, women’s football in Cameroon must equal that of men in all aspects, especially since CAF and FIFA have put the development of women’s football at the centre of their concerns in recent years. With this commitment and aware of Cameroon’s dominant position in women’s football in the sub-region, our first challenge is to win the Women’s Champions League organised by CAF in 2022. Hence the urgent need to improve the quality of the organisation of our local championships which must strive for excellence.

Your advice to African women?

I would say that football is a sector that has hardly been explored by women. They have their place as direct players, coaches, referees and sports doctors. Moreover, they can benefit from high-level training in this field. Life in the sports world is dynamic and fulfilling; one earns a very good living there. Working in this field does not affect one’s duties as a mother or wife.

Interview by Danielle Engolo