Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
Inside the offices of the National Football Academy – ANAFOOT on May 6, there was no loud celebration, no dramatic display, just a calm gathering of close collaborators witnessing a moment many in Cameroon’s football family believe was long overdue.
At the centre of it all stood Carl Enow Ngachu, soft-spoken, composed and characteristically reserved, as he received the “G2G Courageous Men Prize 2026,” an international distinction awarded by the Grass2Grace International Humanitarian Organization.
For years, Carl Enow Ngachu has allowed his work to speak louder than his words.
Long before becoming Director General of ANAFOOT, he had already carved his name into the history of Cameroon’s women’s football. From difficult moments on the touchline to the pressure of national expectations, he built a reputation grounded in discipline, patience and commitment to nurturing talent.
To many young footballers, he became more than a coach. He became a mentor.
And on this day, that journey was being recognised.
The award was presented by Thomas A. Fortang, who also serves as Goodwill Ambassador of the Collaborative Inter-Governmental Scientific Research Institute (CISRI).
Standing before guests at the ceremony, Thomas A. Fortang described Carl Enow Ngatchu as a man who understands the deeper purpose of football beyond trophies and competition.
“Carl Enow Ngachu is a man who understands that football is not only about winning matches. It is about preparing young people for the future, building responsible citizens and giving hope to the next generation,” Thomas A. Fortang said.
The words reflected a career many say has been built quietly but consistently.
From guiding women’s football at the national level to shaping the next generation of talents at ANAFOOT, Carl Enow Ngachu has remained focused on one mission — using football as a tool for discipline, opportunity and national development.
Those who know him closely often describe him as a leader who speaks little but acts greatly. A man who believes success is measured not only by victories on the pitch, but by the lives transformed away from it.
Receiving the distinction, Carl Enow Ngachu admitted the recognition carried deep meaning for him.
“I am overwhelmingly happy with this recognition. It is a sign that hard work is being noticed and at the same time a call for us to do even better for the young people of this country,” he said.
Even in celebration, his message remained focused on the future and on the responsibility that comes with leadership.
According to organisers, the “G2G Courageous Men Prize” recognises personalities whose leadership and service continue to positively impact society. Now in its sixth season, the distinction has expanded across seven regions of Cameroon, honouring senators, mayors, directors general, lawyers, traditional rulers, entrepreneurs and social activists.
Behind the initiative is the Grass2Grace International Humanitarian Organization, founded in 2012 and known for its humanitarian work supporting vulnerable children, particularly orphans and internally displaced persons. Plans are ahead for 1,000 children to go back to school this coming academic year.
For the organisation, honouring Carl Enow Ngachu was about recognising a lifetime of service built on consistency, humility and dedication to nation building through sport.
And for those gathered inside ANAFOOT that day, the award was more than a plaque or title.
