Olympic awards thrill Mboma and Milla
by So Sefeu Chiemba 08 April 2012, 14:55
The duo was recognised during the country's maiden Cameroon olympic awards on March 30 in Yaounde. The event organised by the National olympic and sporting committee of Cameroon sought to rewards the best sportsmen and women of 2011.
The roving ambassador received the gold star medal of the national olympic order, a distinction which is considered the highest sports decoration in the country.
"I am filled with immense joy. This is a big gesture by the national olympic awards for me. I hope it doesn't die next year. It is a good thing for athletes to be rewarded and I hope it doesn't die," Milla said.
The African player of the century said such awards would encourage Cameroonian sportsmen and women to work harder.
Meanwhile, Patrick Mboma was recognised as olympic sports icon and received 1 million francs CFA.
It would be recalled the two strikers of different generations of the Indomitable Lions squad, helped the national team its four Africa Cup of Nations trophies.
The ace Cameroon soccer legend, Milla, was twice crowned African player of the year in 1976 and 1990. He also was the oldest player in the World Cup.
Mboma is largely credited with Cameroon 2000 and 2002 Nations Cup and the 2000 Olympic gold medal.
