Bello Bourdanne, president of the Cameroon Volleyball Federation (Fecavolley) and president of the CAVB Zone 4, was awarded the Prize of Best Sports Manager of the Year 2025 by the International Association of Press Publishers, an organisation representing more than 500 press editors across the globe.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 24th, at the headquarters of the Cameroonian Volleyball Federation in the Dragage neighbourhood of Yaoundé. It was modest in scale but rich in atmosphere, as colleagues, journalists, and federation staff gathered to mark this distinction.
Presenting the award, Cyrille Kuete, representing the International Association of Press Publishers, was effusive but precise in his praise. He didn’t simply celebrate Bourdanne the man—he made a case for Bourdanne the administrator. “We are not only recognising administrative performance,” Kuete told those assembled, “but a structured vision and exemplary governance of sport.” He pointed specifically to the successful hosting of the 2023 African Senior Women’s Nations Championship — held between 14 and 25 August that year — as well as the African Club Championship for Zone 4, the regular organisation of national leagues, and the steady professionalisation of clubs across the country. These, Kuete argued, were not accidents. They were the product of deliberate, disciplined leadership.
For Bourdanne, who was re-elected to lead the federation as recently as 7th February 2026, the recognition carries particular resonance. It is, he noted, the second such distinction he has received within two years — a fact he mentioned not with any trace of self-congratulation, but with what appeared to be genuine reflection. “I receive this award with a great deal of emotion and humility,” he told the gathered press. “Beyond my own person, this prize honours the work of an entire group — every actor involved in the development of Cameroonian volleyball.”
Bourdanne framed this award as the confirmation that a collective effort is bearing fruit and as motivation to push further still. “This is an invitation to continue the work that began two years ago,” he said. “We will keep going with this renewed team, with experience and ambition, so that we continue to deserve the confidence of those who assess our work.”
The press, he added pointedly, played their part in that. Their scrutiny, their critiques — these were not obstacles but instruments of improvement.
Tuesday’s ceremony offered a clear snapshot of a federation that believes it is moving in the right direction.
