Twenty players apiece. That is what Cameroon’s two national coaches have put forward as the country begins its serious preparations for the 2026 African Under-18 Volleyball Championship, set to run from 20 to 30 July in Alexandria, Egypt.
The tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Volleyball in partnership with the Alexandria governorate, carries extra significance this year. It marks the first time the Egyptian coastal city has hosted the continental girls’ Under-18 competition, and matches will take place at the Pioneer Club halls under the patronage of the region’s governor, Ayman Attia.
For Cameroon, the work starts now.
Head coach Djoby Mateke Martial has called up 20 boys for the first phase of the preparatory camp. The group is drawn from clubs across the country, with Dream’s Sport Academy and Dynamique Nouvelle VB de Bafoussam each contributing several names. Litto Team Volleyball, Danay Volleyball, Bagangte Volleyball, Garoua Volleyball, Academie du Lac, Thunder Volleyball Ngaoundere, and Bertoua Volleyball also feature on the list, which reflects genuine geographical spread rather than the usual concentration around one or two dominant clubs.
The 20 called up are:
Setters: Mbira Abouem Yuan Kevim (Litto Team Volleyball), Assa Doreina Toko Julius (Danay Volleyball), Ngatat Nyapa Ramuel (Bagangte Volleyball), Mekong Mekong Royan Astar (Dream’s Sport Academy).
Outside hitters and receivers: Ousman Njikam (Dream’s Sport Academy), Kangonbe Oumarou Alain Desire (Danay Volleyball), Ngamo Stephane (Dynamique Nouvelle VB de Bafoussam), Honla Honla Ariel (Dream’s Sport Academy), Tcheuha Djegoue Landry (Litto Team Volleyball), Gbetnkom Loris (Dynamique Nouvelle VB de Bafoussam).
Opposites: Kamga Fotso (Dream’s Sport Academy), Edinson Hopta Emmanuel (Danay Volleyball).
Middle blockers: Houmsou Prosper (Garoua Volleyball), Tondji Patrick Bethuel (Bagangte Volleyball), Takam Fanouel (Dynamique Nouvelle VB de Bafoussam), Watat Nkambou Killian Yachen (Academie du Lac), Ebogo Evrard Brice (Thunder Volleyball Ngaoundere).
Liberos: Ebokolo Josue Prince (Litto Team Volleyball), Drew Kenan Kpama (Academie du Lac), Nana Ngnoupaye Frank Astrid (Bertoua Volleyball).
On the girls’ side, coach Nsounfon Donald Fabien has named an equally diverse 20-player group for the same preparatory phase. Nyong et Ekelle Volleyball and Mbalmayo Volleyball each provide three players, while Litto Team Volleyball, Dream’s Sports Academy, Danay Volleyball, Mayo Kani Evolution, Dynamic Volleyball School, Fatgo’o Volleyball, Cite U Evolution, and NyongEkelle Volleyball all contribute names to the squad.
The full women’s preselection is:
Setters: Mengue Mebenga Latipha (Mayo Kani Evolution), Nkou Tobo Chrismael (Genius Volleyball), Kinyo Ambang Oceane (Dynamic Volleyball School), Ewodo Grace (Fatgo’o Volleyball).
Outside hitters and receivers: Nyanyongo Giovana Kimora (Litto Team Volleyball), Matoukam Tontong Brunelle (Dream’s Sports Academy), Ngalle Samu Mariani (Cite U Evolution), Voulania Solantine (Danay Volleyball), Ndoni Dimalet Therese (Dream’s Sports Academy).
Opposites: Assala Maelle (Mbalmayo Volleyball), Njounang Ngassam (Dynamic Volleyball School), Abanda Sirrinwi Shanna Lee (NyongEkelle Volleyball).
Middle blockers: Mbassa Menick Yvana (Nyong et Ekelle Volleyball), Manz Esperanza Marthe (Mbalmayo Volleyball), Tchawoua Tchougo Carmelle (Nyong et Ekelle Volleyball), Djivida Moulla Sandrine (Danay Volleyball), Eloundou Anaba Princesse (Mbalmayo Volleyball).
Liberos: Nagbwengue Djackao Camille (Bertoua Volleyball), Bibi Biloa Theresa (Fatgo’o Volleyball), Ngeh Masa Fabrice Nolwenn (Mayo Kani Evolution).
The breadth of clubs represented across both lists tells its own story. Fecavolley has cast the net wide, pulling talent from the Far North to the South, from grassroots academies to established club programmes.
The countdown has begun!
