In a show of solidarity with Cameroonian athletes abroad, Bello Bourdanne, the officially recognized President of the Cameroon Volleyball Federation (Fecavolley), attended a match in France this past Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The match featured two Cameroonian players on opposing teams – Stephanie Fotso of Volley Club Harnesien facing off against Estelle Adiana of Saint Dié. The game took place at the Stade Marechal gymnasium in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, named after the father of a former French national team player.
To the cheers of the crowd, Bourdanne, who holds several distinguished positions such as President of CAVB Zone IV, board member of African Volleyball Confederation, and committee member with the International Volleyball Federation, was given the honour to kick off the game. Both players on the national team were visibly moved by his unexpected visit.
While some have tried to undermine Bourdanne’s leadership, his position remains secure as the only Fecavolley president recognized by key sporting authorities including the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the International Volleyball Federation, the African Volleyball Confederation, the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee, and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education.
As of 2023, volleyball activities in Cameroon have been running smoothly on weekends. A fourth Open Tournament for Cadets and Juniors was held at the GENIUS training center in Nkolbisson to celebrate youth development and the sport’s future. Despite occasional setbacks, many people in Cameroon are optimistic about the future of volleyball.
