Stephen Tataw

3.1. Early career in Cameroon

Tataw began his senior career with Cammack of Kumba before moving to Tonnerre Yaoundé, where he played from 1988 to 1991. Despite Tonnerre being one of Cameroon's leading clubs, they reportedly lacked fundamental facilities, playing on a baked earth pitch in a stadium devoid of showers or dressing rooms. In 1991, Tataw's earnings were reported to be around 60 GBP per week, supplemented by an additional 100 GBP per week from a sinecure with Cameroon Radio Television.

From 1992 to 1994, Tataw played for Olympique Mvolyé. During this period, an incident occurred days before the 1992 Cameroonian Cup final against Diamant Yaoundé. Tataw was reportedly dragged from his car and beaten by four armed men. Despite this traumatic event, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebounding to captain his club in the final match. He performed exceptionally well, earning a penalty kick from which his teammate Bertin Ebwellé scored the only goal, leading Olympique Mvolyé to victory. He won the Cameroon Cup in 1989 and 1991 with Tonnerre Yaoundé, and again in 1992 with Olympique Mvolyé.

3.2. European trials

Following his impressive performances, Tataw attracted interest from European clubs. In October 1990, he underwent a trial with English Football League First Division club Queens Park Rangers. The experience was reported to be quite bewildering for him. He recalled that the manager, Don Howe, praised his abilities, stating he was "good - excellent," but ultimately said the team was "full up" and did not need a right-back. Tataw expressed confusion, questioning why he was not informed of this before his arrival. The following month, in November 1990, he was reported to be on trial with Football League Second Division club Brighton & Hove Albion, where he was expected to play for their reserves as a central defender once international clearance was received. However, neither of these trials resulted in a permanent move to a European club.

3.3. Playing in Japan and retirement

In 1995, Stephen Tataw made a significant move to Japan, joining Tosu Futures, a professional football club. This transfer marked a historic moment, as he became the first African footballer to play for a professional Japanese club. During his two-year tenure with Tosu Futures until 1996, Tataw aimed to guide his club to promotion to the top division, the J-League. However, the club eventually folded in 1997 due to the withdrawal of its main sponsor.

Following the dissolution of Tosu Futures, a new club, Sagan Tosu, was established in the same city. Tataw expressed a desire to continue playing for the newly formed team. However, he was unable to agree to terms with Sagan Tosu and subsequently retired from professional football.

4.1. Debut and early years

Stephen Tataw made his debut for the Cameroon national team in December 1986. His first international appearance was in a UDEAC Cup game against the Republic of the Congo in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Over the subsequent years, Tataw consistently performed at a high level, establishing himself as a regular and indispensable fixture in the national squad. He was also a member of the national teams that participated in the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, where Cameroon achieved a fourth-place finish.

4.2. 1990 FIFA World Cup

Tataw's most celebrated and impactful international tournament was the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy. As captain, he led Cameroon to an unprecedented achievement, becoming the first African nation in history to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Cameroon's campaign began spectacularly in Group B, facing reigning champions Argentina in the opening match of the competition. Despite Argentina being heavy favorites, Cameroon pulled off a stunning upset, winning 1-0 with a goal from François Omam-Biyik. This victory was particularly remarkable as Cameroon played with nine men on the field after two players, André Kana-Biyik and Benjamin Massing, were sent off. Tataw later recounted that the presence of then-President Paul Biya in the stands motivated the team to overcome the disadvantage. He also revealed that there were significant internal team conflicts before the tournament, including tensions between goalkeepers Joseph-Antoine Bell and Thomas N'Kono, and the unexpected inclusion of veteran forward Roger Milla in the squad. Despite these challenges, Tataw's leadership was instrumental in unifying the team.

Cameroon continued their strong performance by winning their next game against Romania 2-1 at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, with Roger Milla scoring twice after coming on as a substitute. Although they suffered a 4-0 defeat against the Soviet Union in their final group game, their two victories were sufficient to qualify them for the next round as group winners.

In the second round, Cameroon faced Colombia. Once again, Roger Milla emerged as the hero, scoring twice in quick succession during extra time after the match ended goalless in normal time. Despite Colombia scoring a late goal, Cameroon held on to record a 2-1 victory, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

The quarter-final match against England was a thrilling encounter. England took an early lead through David Platt, but Cameroon responded in the second half with two goals in four minutes, taking a 2-1 lead. However, England was awarded a penalty, which tied the game and sent it into extra time. In the additional period, Cameroon conceded another penalty, ultimately leading to their 3-2 elimination from the tournament. Tataw played in every match during this historic World Cup campaign.

4.3. 1994 FIFA World Cup

Stephen Tataw once again captained the Cameroon national team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States. However, the team's performance in this tournament was less successful compared to their 1990 outing, as they finished last in their group and were eliminated in the group stage. The match against Russia in this tournament marked Stephen Tataw's final international cap for Cameroon.

4.4. Overall international record

Throughout his international career from 1986 to 1994, Stephen Tataw made a total of 63 appearances for the Cameroon national team, scoring three goals. His dedication and consistent presence made him a stalwart of the team for nearly a decade.

5.1. Coaching career

In April 2018, Stephen Tataw expressed his aspirations to contribute to the national team in a coaching capacity. He was one of 77 applicants for the vacant coaching position for the Cameroon national football team. Among the other candidates vying for the role was Hugo Broos, the former national team coach. Despite his extensive playing experience and leadership qualities, Tataw was not selected for the position.

6.1. Club honors

• Cameroon Cup: 1989, 1991 (with Tonnerre Yaoundé)
• Cameroon Cup: 1992 (with Olympique Mvolyé)

6.2. International honors

• Africa Cup of Nations: 1988 (Winner)
• Africa Cup of Nations: 1992 (Fourth Place)

6.3. Individual honors

• Africa Cup of Nations Best XI: 1988

7.1. Personal life

Known aspects of Stephen Tataw's personal life are limited in public records. He was a dedicated professional footballer who spent his career playing in Cameroon and Japan.

7.2. Death

Stephen Tataw Eta passed away on 31 July 2020, at the age of 57. He died at his home in Yaoundé, Cameroon. His death was widely reported by various news outlets, including the BBC.

8.1. Pioneering role in Asian football

Stephen Tataw holds a unique place in the history of Asian football as the first African player to join a professional Japanese football club. His move to Tosu Futures in 1995 opened doors for other African players to venture into the Japanese professional league, contributing to the globalization of the sport in the region. His trailblazing presence helped break down barriers and paved the way for increased diversity in Asian football.

8.2. Impact on Cameroonian football

As the captain of the Cameroon national football team, Stephen Tataw's leadership had a profound impact on Cameroonian football. His guidance was pivotal during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he led the Indomitable Lions to become the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament. This historic achievement not only elevated the status of Cameroonian football but also inspired a generation of African footballers and fans. His ability to lead the team through internal challenges and secure unexpected victories, such as against Argentina, solidified his status as a legendary figure in his home country. His contributions are remembered for their role in showcasing the potential of African football on the world stage.