New Delhi: Roger Milla has been a revered icon for Cameroon football and even after calling it quits long time back, the aura still prevails and his magnanimity does not fail to inspire the current crop of players.

And what could be more delightful for these young players from Central Africa who are currently in India for the Nehru Cup to be cheered by thier idol in the finals do they reach it.

Cameroon have come with their second string team for the tournament and their Coach Emmanuel Bosso spoke of Milla’s involvement with the side and said that he showed great interest during the training camps which was a great source of motivation

“Milla is the ambassador of Cameroon football. During our practice session, he visited us thrice and even promised that if we reach the final he will come to see us play,” said the coach.

Bosso said that his involvement with the team has always been a source of inspiration for this team which is sans any senior team player.

Milla’s promise to visit them in Delhi has pepped up the players and they want to give it all so that they could reach the finals and play in front of the great man.

“During our training, he walked up to us said that if you want me to see you play, then you will have to reach the finals. If he comes here then it will be a gift from Cameroon to India,” said Goalkeeper Ngome Lawrence.

But then Cameroon seen as one of the contenders of the tournament could not start the tournament on the expected lines as they drew 2-2 with Syria.

On being asked about their chance to make it finals, Bosso said, “The field became slushy due to rain which made things difficult for us. There is heavy rainfall in Cameroon too but not like here. But we still three more matches and are confident of reaching the final.”

Milla the oldest playerto make a World Cup appearance and score a goal had earlier come to India in 1990 where he represented Diamond Club in a match against Mohun Bagan.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury

Indian Sports News Network