The Sports Complex in Japoma Douala and Yaounde have become hives of activity as Cameroon’s national volleyball teams prepare for their biggest challenges of the year. Since 17th June, the Japoma sports complex facility has been home to two national squads, each with their sights set on continental and global success.
Two Teams, One Ambition
The complex is buzzing with the energy of the Senior Women’s team, the U20 Women’s squad, all putting in the hard yards as they prepare for major international competitions. It’s a sight that would make any volleyball enthusiast’s heart race – the cream of Cameroon’s talent working tirelessly under one roof.
Victor Imele’s U20 Women are gearing up for the African Nations Championship, which Cameroon will host from the 20th of July to the 2nd of August 2025 at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Palace. Meanwhile, Paulo De Tarso Milagres’ Senior Women are sharpening their skills for the Women’s World Championship in Thailand, scheduled for 20th August to 2nd September.
The U20 Men’s team, led by former Cameroon international Robert Samou, joined the camp last Sunday in Yaounde and are preparing for the African Championship in Tunisia later this year. Having already completed an initial evaluation phase in Yaoundé, where 29 pre-selected players were whittled down to 22, the boys are now fully focused on their Yaounde preparations.
Blocking the Path to Victory
Tuesday’s training session for the Senior Women highlighted just how seriously coach Paulo De Tarso Milagres is taking the upcoming World Championship. The Brazilian tactician dedicated the entire session to blocking techniques – a skill that volleyball experts consider crucial for any team with championship aspirations.
Star players Paule Arielle Olomo and Estelle Odile Léopoldine Adiana, along with their teammates, paid close attention to their coach’s instructions as he put them through jumping drills and muscle-strengthening exercises designed to improve their agility at the net.
The volleyball Lionesses are approaching the end of their second week of preparation and expect to have their full squad assembled by Thursday. Seven additional players are set to join the 13 already at Japoma: Henriette Nadège Koulla, Emelda Piata Zessi, Andrea Mimosette Lady Moussol, Carine Blamdai, Yolande Juliana Amanda Guigolo, and sisters Emmanuela Grâce and Simone Bikatal.
Muscle and Determination
The U20 Women’s preparation took a different turn on Tuesday, with coach Victor Imele opting for a strength-focused session rather than ball work. The young Lionesses hit the weights at the Japoma multipurpose gymnasium, concentrating on exercises designed to improve their power, muscular endurance, and coordination.
The session featured multi-joint exercises and elastic band training – a practical and effective alternative that specialists recommend to complement gym work. These baby Lionesses have been in intensive training for over a week, and the focus on physical conditioning demonstrates the comprehensive approach being taken to prepare for their home championship.
“We’re looking at the specific needs of each player while building overall team strength,” the technical staff explained, emphasising how crucial physical preparation will be when they face Africa’s best young talent on home soil.
Professional Environment, Professional Results
What’s particularly impressive about this preparation phase is the professional environment the teams are enjoying. Working twice daily in a setting specifically designed for elite sport, away from distractions and with access to top-quality facilities, the squads can focus entirely on their development.
The U20 Women’s team, comprising 22 carefully selected players, will complete their entire preparation in Douala before returning to Yaoundé for the final phase of their championship. After a week of intensive training, internal feedback suggests the squad is progressing well, with the coaching staff satisfied with both individual improvements and team cohesion.
The coming days promise to be even more intense, with greater emphasis on technical and tactical specifics. To properly assess their progress, the team will play several warm-up matches before the competition begins – a crucial element in fine-tuning their game plan.
Media Spotlight
The importance of these preparations hasn’t gone unnoticed by Cameroon’s sports media. CRTV Sports is providing extensive coverage, with special programmes featuring the coaches and players. Victor Imele’s U20 squad will be featured on Wednesday’s Sport Parade programme, while Paulo De Tarso Milagres will outline his work plan and objectives on Thursday.
Season MVP Brandy Gatcheu is expected to share her ambitions and assessment of the squad, giving fans an insight into the team’s mindset ahead of their World Championship challenge.
Continental and Global Ambitions
As the three teams continue their preparations in the professional environment of Japoma, expectations are building across Cameroon. The Senior Women face the daunting prospect of taking on world volleyball powerhouses in Thailand, while both U20 teams will be looking to make their mark on the continental stage.
For the U20 Women, there’s the added pressure and privilege of competing on home soil. The African Nations Championship in Yaoundé represents a golden opportunity to showcase Cameroon’s volleyball talent to a home crowd and establish the next generation of Indomitable Lionesses.
