Respected Sports Photographer Maurice Ebanga Dies

One of the Africa continent’s most respected sports photographer, Maurice Ebanga, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with illness in a Yaoundé hospital.

The legendary stalwart, whose experience spans close to four decades, was working as official photographer at Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).

Born in Mvong-Ada District of Yaoundé in 1965, Ebanga studied photography at a private school and worked at a studio before fulfilling his lifelong dream to become a photojournalist.

After joining Fecafoot 30 years ago, Ebanga covered many sporting events around the world, including seven FIFA World Cups, two FIFA Confederations cup, fifteen Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three Olympic Games tournaments.

Ebanga had won numerous photography awards over the years and his knowledge on photography was unmatched.

His soft spot was reserved for only one person in his life- his son, whom he trained to be a photographer and loved unconditionally.

Fecafoot president Seidou Mbombo Njoya described him as a talented and committed journalist.

“I was dismayed to learn of the death of reporter-photographer Ebanga #Ebanga today. Part of the pictorial memory of #LionsIndomptables, FECAFOOT and football is gone. May his soul rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his family,” he tweeted.

Friends, fans and colleagues also took to social media to pay their tributes to the legend of photojournalism in Africa.

“He will be greatly missed. He was sprightly with an infectious smile. He was a photographer par excellence and his contribution to the trade cannot be gainsaid. May he rest in peace,” said Desirey Minkoh, founder Afrikimages Agency, Gabon.

“Go in peace my friend you believed in me. I will miss your charm and jokes. Faces always lit when you came to the newsroom ….” Julien Bebey, a colleague, tweeted.

“Condolences to his colleagues, family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” posted South African Sports producer, Coudjoe Amankwaa.