Patrick Ekeng's funeral held in Yaounde (photos)

The funeral of Cameroon international Patrick Ekang, 26, has been held in Yaounde, following his death in Romania on 6 May. The father of one died of a suspected heart attack after collapsing on the pitch whilst playing for Dinamo Bucharest.

The Cameroon football family paid tribute to the player, President Paul Biya was represented by Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Bidoung Kpwatt.

Cameroon players past and present attended the service, and gave support to Ekeng’s wife and family. His brother Jacques Ekeng, paid tribute to “Patou” as Ekeng was fondly called.

“He gave more love to his friends than to his family. That is Patrick, he was generous,” Jacques Ekeng said.

“No matter the beauty, riches and cars you cannot be saved from death”, he told Patou’s friends.

“My brother is dead with a smile and this is what comforts me.

“If Patou wanted to put order in his life at the same time God decided to take him, may God’s name be glorified,” Jacques Ekeng added.

Patrick Ekeng’s club Dinamo Bucharest said they would honour the player’s memory by sending the Romanian Cup to his family in Cameroon if they win the trophy.

Thirteen-time winners Dinamo face CFR Cluj in the postponed final on 17 May.