You knew all along, I believe, that the Leonidas Ndogkoti bit was at best a nom-de-plume. Actually, it was a big humbug, and I am here to apologize for impersonating a great historical figure and the best known public square in all of Cameroon, even though I can offer a few extenuating circumstances.
Let it be known therefore that, in addition to moolighting here, I had a bona fide permanent job elsewhere in a reputable international organization that holds a dim view on double- dipping. Appearing on this page was an ethical issue that I somehow resolved by hiding behind a borrowed identity. Time is right now, I gather, as I freely separate from my generous employer after fifteen exciting years, to reclaim my suspended genuine identity.
The change is cosmetic, really. The thrust of my interest in the beautiful game remains unchanged, as it still rests on the way football is organized and governed, i.e. the politics of the game, or its governance if you will. I may not be your regular trained reporter, but I love this game and I believe I have gathered through the years, as a contemporary and team mate of a few national icons and a benevolent observer of football on five continents, a wholesale view worth sharing.
As I commit to be here more regularly, I wish to give assurances to my readers that I will tread the same delicate path I have been known to favour. I believe that, whether you play the big leagues, Petit-Goal or Deux-Zéro, what will make or break you is governance. I believe in the importance of a vigorous rapport de forces between the fans and the football governing authorities. I believe that government has no business in running football. I am dead against public resources being lavishly spent on a private activity like football that does not generate worthy dividends for the majority of Cameroonians. I believe that a private activity like football is best run by a private organization, the government playing its traditional and worthy role of watchdog and provider of extended conditions of access.
I run the risk of becoming irrelevant, just another colour commentator, unless my beliefs find a way of touching my readers in a special way. I accept that risk as I know that the challenge of bringing a mentality shift in this football-crazed nation holds unfathomable rewards. My name is Léon Gwod. You can still call me Ndogkoti. But I warn you : I pack a mean and big pen.
