Head coach Victor Imele has named his final 12-woman squad as Cameroon prepares to chase its first-ever Women’s U20 African Nations Volleyball Championship title on home soil
Cameroon’s U20 women’s volleyball team has its sights firmly set on making history when the 2025 African Nations Championship gets underway in Yaoundé this Monday, with head coach Victor Imele unveiling his final squad of 12 players following an intensive two-month preparation camp.
Speaking at a press conference in Yaounde, Imele revealed the names of the 12 players who have earned their place from an initial training squad of 22, all of whom have been put through their paces in what the coach described as a meticulous selection process.
“We will do everything possible within our reach to win the trophy after two unsuccessful attempts,” Imele declared, his determination evident as he outlined the team’s ambitious goals. He emphasised that his selection had been purely merit-based, with performance statistics driving every decision.
“The selection of players was based on nothing but performance, and we had the statistics of all our players,” he explained. “This preparation has seen the girls play many friendlies with teams that were above their standards. We have watched the videos of our opponents.“
The squad has been based in Douala for the past two months, where they’ve focused intensively on both physical recovery and individual tactical development.
Team captain Ottou Mebenga Arielle echoed her coach’s optimism, speaking with the kind of steely determination that suggests this Cameroon side means business. The 19-year-old setter, who plays her club volleyball for Litto Team Volleyball, believes they are highly motivated for a breakthrough tournament.
“My team and I are set to defend and grab the trophy of this competition for the first time in the country’s history,” she stated boldly. “We’re well prepared, and the atmosphere is serene, and we are highly motivated and confident. And I know that we will do our best for the trophy to remain in Cameroon.”
Imele’s final squad demonstrates a well-balanced approach across all positions, with representatives from four different clubs providing healthy competition and diverse playing styles.
Full list of players:
MIDDLE BLOCKER
SIMO MOGUE Danielle Patricia -2008- (Mayo Kani Evolution)
SOUITA Isabel -2007-(Nyong et Kelle Volleyball)
MBALLA NJANG Donatella Julienne -2007- (Fatgo Volleyball Club)
OUTSIDE HITTER
NGONO NDONGO Delphine -2006- (Nyong et Kelle Volleyball)
MBOUOMBOUO YOUWA Marie Tina -2006- (Litto Team Volleyball)
BELINGA AMAKEKA Marie Thérèse Pulchérie -2008- (Mayo Kani Evolution)
BIDZA EKANI Lucie Carole -2008- (Litto Team Volleyball)
NANYONGO Giovanna Kimora Ayuk Teku -2009- (Litto Team Volleyball)
SETTER
SIGNE FONKOU Maeva -2007- (Mayo Kani Evolution)
OTTOU MEBENGA Françoise Arielle -2006- (Litto Team Volleyball)
LIBEROS
NGATCHA TCHAKOUNTE Chibaudale Blanche -2006- (Litto Team Volleyball)
KENFACK Sandra -2007- (Mayo Kani Evolution)
NB: NAMES -Date of Birth- (Club)
With the tournament kicking off this Monday on Cameroonian soil, the Indomitable Lionesses will be hoping that home support can provide the extra edge they’ve been seeking in their quest for continental glory.
