Bunmi Haruna, a two-time assistant coach of Nigeria’s National U17 team, has responded to rumours connecting him with a coaching position at Young Sports Academy (YOSA FC) in Cameroon.
The club is looking for a new head coach following the departure of former Indomitable Lions coach Alexandre Belinga, who left after YOSA FC was relegated to the second division.
Emma Mimba, the club’s Portugal-based owner, has reportedly identified Haruna as a potential candidate to help the team regain its status in Cameroonian football.
Mimba was impressed by Haruna’s coaching at the EIBER Cup in Portugal, where his team, Blue Ocean FC, reached the semi-final in the U19 competition.
Mimba expressed a desire for a coach who understands modern football tactics, stating that Haruna fits that profile perfectly.
In response to the speculation, Haruna confirmed discussions with Mimba but emphasised that no agreement has been reached yet.
He expressed gratitude for Mimba’s interest, remarking that it reflects the recognition of his development as a coach.
“Yes, I spoke with the club’s president(Mimba) but we are yet to agree on anything.
“I must thank Memba for this gesture because it shows the efforts I have put into developing myself have not gone unnoticed,” Haruna enthused.
Haruna also shared insights from their conversations, highlighting Mimba’s focus on tactical understanding in football.
While he dreams of coaching abroad to share his philosophy and passion in a different cultural context, he insists that the conditions must be right for such an opportunity to materialise.
“We met in Portugal, we basically discussed football generally, but I noticed he was big on the tactical aspect of the game and was always wanting to know why we played the way we played.
“It is my dream to coach abroad, to take my philosophy and passion to a different culture, but the conditions have to be right,” Haruna added.
Haruna, who recently became a CAF Instructor, is one of several Nigerian coaches exploring opportunities outside the country, with others like Salisu Yusuf and Oladuni Oyekale already coaching in Benin Republic.