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Cameroon go shirt-crazy (08.08.2002)
Replicas of kit worn by Cameroon`s national team at the African Nations Cup is the supporters fashion item of choice.
You cannot walk or drive through Yaounde, Cameroon`s capital, for five minutes without spotting someone in the jersey.
With the boom of the trade, many people have entered the kit-selling business.
Lions` shirts are sold in supermarkets, telephone booths, bars, and bookshops.
"On seeing my neighbours selling about 85 shirts within two weeks, I decided to try it. Today, I`m also making money!," explained trader Guy Tsajio.
Meeting demand
After the Lions` victory in Mali, the few shirts available in the local markets came from Asia but they could not meet the demands of the fans.
But there`s an influx of shirts from Europe and Asia, while some are locally produced.
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"The white sleeveless shirt which comes from Dubai and Saudi Arabia, remains the hot cake. It`s scarce to find," remarked Ahmadou Saïdou, a trade in Mokolo market.
"The youths are mad for it. They want to look sexy.
"Shirts with the names of Eto`o Fils, Mboma, Song, Etame, Njitap are frequently asked for."
The price of the shirt, depending on the quality of its material, range from £6-16.
Some local teams are now attracted by the sleeveless design, with first division clubside Canon leading the way.
"When young players wear this shirt, we`re proud of Cameroon!," said Christian Fouman.
We`re equally supporting the Lions, while striving to be like them."
Fouman got a shirt, a pair of shorts and boots from Cameroon international Lauren Etame Mayer.
If only other fans could be as lucky...
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