PWD Bamenda Receives Hero’s Welcome and Generous Cash Reward After Historic Cameroon Cup Triumph

Bamenda, North West Region – April 29, 2022, Written by the Communication Department JF Mubang Foundation.

The historic 2021 Cameroon Cup victory of PWD Social Football Club of Bamenda was celebrated in grand style on Friday, April 29, 2022, when the team received both a hero’s welcome and a substantial cash reward from one of their most dedicated supporters.

Mr. Joseph Mubang, a well-known philanthropist from Bamenda based in the United States, personally handed over 100,000 FCFA cash envelopes to each player of the Abakwa Boys, fulfilling a promise he had made before the final match.

The reward came in recognition of PWD’s maiden Cameroon Cup title — their first domestic cup triumph in 60 years — achieved on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé. The Abakwa Boys defeated Les Astres FC of Douala 1–0, with the lone goal coming from a beautifully executed set-piece by 19-year-old forward Chem Herbert Mbunwe.

Prior to the final, Mr. Mubang had publicly promised through the club’s management that he would personally reward each player with 100,000 FCFA if they won the cup. That pledge is widely believed to have added extra motivation to the squad during a tense and highly competitive encounter.

On April 29, the team proudly presented the Cameroon Cup trophy to Mr. Mubang at a vibrant ceremony held at the St. Joseph Catholic School Football Field in Big Mankon. In the presence of a large and enthusiastic crowd — including over one thousand students and staff members from St. Frederick Comprehensive High School Mubang, fans, well-wishers, and members of the club’s management and technical team — Mr. Mubang immediately fulfilled his promise.

Cash envelopes of 100,000 FCFA were distributed to every player in a moment of visible emotion and appreciation.

The generosity extended beyond the players. Each member of the PWD management and technical team — including Dr. Charles Boyo Abonge, Mr. Njoya Joseph, and other officials — also received a personal cash envelope from Mr. Mubang.

In a further show of recognition, the club officially decorated Mr. Joseph Mubang as “Patron of the Team”, an honour warmly accepted amid cheers from the crowd.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Mubang explained what inspired his support:

“PWD Bamenda does not even have a proper training pitch. On top of that, the ongoing Anglophone crisis has made training and preparation extremely difficult. Despite all these challenges, the players showed extraordinary determination, discipline, and fighting spirit to win the Cup of Cameroon. That kind of resilience deserves to be celebrated and rewarded.”

The event carried strong symbolic weight in a region that has faced prolonged hardship. The presence of Mr. Malafa Johnson, Inspector General representing the Governor of the North West Region, added an official dimension to the celebration. Mr. Michael Mubang, Proprietor of St. Frederick Comprehensive High School, also attended alongside students and staff who turned out in large numbers to honour the team.

PWD Social Football Club — affectionately known as the Abakwa Boys — had already qualified for the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League as domestic cup winners. Their cup success marked one of the brightest sporting moments for Bamenda in recent years.

Friday’s celebration was more than a reward ceremony — it was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, recognition of perseverance, and belief in the unifying power of sport even in difficult times.

For many in attendance, the sight of young players receiving such tangible appreciation from a son of the soil will remain a lasting memory of hope, pride, and shared victory.