David Pagou explains why Serge Daura, winner of the 2025 Cameroonian Ballon d'Or, is absent from the local players' training camp

For the Indomitable Lions' coach, Serge Daura's absence from the list of players called up is due to his temporary departure abroad to pursue a professional opportunity.

The winner of the 2025 Cameroonian Ballon d'Or is conspicuously absent from the list of 30 local Cameroonian players who have been gathering in Yaoundé since Friday 6 March. Serge Daura's absence sparked reactions after David Pagou's list was published.

But the Cameroonian national team coach was keen to clarify the situation. He pointed out that the Gazelle FA striker was not in the country at the start of the season. He only joined his club on the Matchday 5 or 6 of Elite One.

In the case of Serge Daura, as I said earlier, last season he was on fire, scoring 15 goals and making more than 10 assists. He was the star player last season. If you remember, during the tournament in Marrakesh, he was one of the four local players we called up. I worked hard to get him on that list. When this season started, Serge Daura was out of the country, I think he was in Egypt on trial. He came back on the Matchday 5 or 6. We already had our list. That's why Serge Daura, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, is not on that list. We made do with those who started the championship and played practically the first six days.