In a jubilant celebration of community unity, youth talent, and the enduring spirit of sport, the maiden edition of the Big Mankon Community Christmas Football Bonanza and Jamboree reached its thrilling climax on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Big Mankon Catholic School Football Field in Bamenda.
Atuazire Youth Club I (AYC I FC) from Meta Quarter emerged as champions, defeating Ntaghang I FC by a convincing 4-2 scoreline after 90 minutes of intense play. The tournament, sponsored by St. Frederick Mubang Comprehensive High School Mankon-Bamenda under the leadership of Proprietor Mr. Michael Mubang, had been launched on November 7, 2022, and featured 14 competing teams from the greater Mankon and Bamenda area.
The finals day was packed with excitement and community pride. It opened with entertainment and lively animation provided by students of St. Frederick Mubang College, who performed with their renowned school band, energizing the large crowd. The third-place match saw St. Augustine FC claim bronze by edging out Atuazire Youth Club II (AYC II) 4-3 on penalties following a goalless full time.
The main final began dramatically when Ntaghang I FC took an early lead in the first half. However, AYC I mounted a remarkable comeback, showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork to secure a well-deserved 4-2 victory and lift the championship trophy.
The event drew high-profile attendance and support. His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda, served as the Special Guest of Honor. He officially performed the kickoff and remained seated throughout the matches, watching intently. Before presenting the winner’s trophy and cash envelope to the captain of AYC I FC, the Archbishop expressed deep gratitude for the initiative. Quoting Psalm 133—“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”—he described the tournament as a beautiful demonstration of brotherhood and harmony. He noted that it had brought the people of Bamenda together, fostered new acquaintances, and proven that love and communion remain possible despite major challenges. On behalf of the community, he thanked the sponsor and pledged the use of his own football field for future editions.
Mr. Cletus Wambang and sponsor Mr. Michael Mubang jointly thanked team presidents and players for their dedicated participation. Mr. Michael Mubang specifically expressed appreciation to the population for their massive turnout—a powerful symbol of love—and for entrusting their children to St. Frederick Mubang College. He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with parents and thanked the Archbishop for his presence, kickoff, trophy presentation, and final episcopal blessings invoking God’s favor on all present. The college promised to continue sponsoring the tournament in the Christmas Season of 2023.
Also in attendance were Mr. Mbigha Njah Felix, President of FECAFOOT North West, and his Secretary Mr. Ndi Tsembom Elvis, underscoring the event’s growing significance in regional football circles.
Conspicuously supporting the occasion was Mr. Joseph Mubang (Dr. Joseph Mubang, Founder and CEO of the JF Mubang Foundation and elder brother of the sponsor). In a generous gesture aligned with the foundation’s focus on Youth, Sports & Peace-building, he donated cash envelopes to all 10 non-finalist teams that participated in the tournament, ensuring every team left with recognition and encouragement.
Medals were awarded to the third-place St. Augustine FC, runners-up Ntaghang I FC, and the victorious AYC I FC, capping a day of memorable sporting achievement.
The Big Mankon Community Christmas Football Bonanza and Jamboree—the first edition sponsored by St. Frederick Mubang College—achieved its stated goals: expressing gratitude to Bamenda families for choosing the college, entertaining the public through football, and nurturing emerging talents. All participating teams expressed sincere gratitude to the sponsor for making it possible.
St. Frederick Mubang Comprehensive High School continues to stand as a leading institution in Bamenda, offering quality education in Arts, Science, Technical, and Commercial streams with an excellent teaching staff—values beautifully reflected in this community-building initiative.
