The Bamenda central prison witnessed an exceptional practice of football as inmates participated in the Yong Francis Memorial football trophy, for almost a month.

Launched on November 19, 2015, the unique football competition featured teams like Pathfinder, Bamenda FC, Shooting Stars, Bamboutos FC.

Under the supervision of TIWA Jonas Chief superintendent of the Bamenda Central Prison and coordinated by Prison warder Agbor who is in charge of extracurricular and leisure activities at the prison, Bamboutus FC and Bamenda FC qualified for the finals.

Playing the finals Wednesday, December 30, 2015, Bamboutos FC, with a fan base in prison typical of the Bamboutos FC of the elite One in Cameroon, thrashed Bamenda FC seven goals to two to grab the coveted trophy.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, Yong Jacque on behalf of the Yong’s family noted that continuing what their late father Bobe Yong Francis loved doing was imperative.

“We will like to keep the legacy of our father. He loved doing this and that is why we are here. It is also important that we consider those who do not have the freedom we have and to spend some time with them so as to assure them of our love and support,” he said.

At the closing ceremony attended by the administration of the Prison, Mezam division and Bamenda I subdivision, Yong Afumbom speaking for the Yong’s family indicated that being in prison was just a stage of life and their freedom will soon be granted to them.

While wishing them a happy new year, Afu, as he is fondly called, encouraged the inmates to be well behaved and respectful.

The highly animated and colourful finals came to a close with the awarding of prizes to best participants in the different competitions that made up the trophy like the egg race, thread and needle, and football.