YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON – As the Cameroon women’s national volleyball team – the Indomitable Lionesses – prepared to embark on their journey to the FIVB World Championship in Thailand, the man steering the ship, Federation President Mr Bello Bourdanne, was in a confident mood.
Despite a preparation he described as not without its “organisational difficulties”, Bourdanne insisted his side is ready to defy the odds and make a nation proud.
“We are indeed leaving late, but we are confident,” Bourdanne stated, addressing journalists with a calm assurance. “The morale of all the players is sky-high. We are going out there to defend the colours of Cameroon.”
Building on African Success
The President was quick to highlight the depth of talent now available to the national set-up, a fact evidenced by the fiercely contested final selection process. He pointed to the team’s recent runners-up finish in their U20 category at the African Championships as proof that a new, competitive generation is coming through.
“The selection was not easy,” he admitted. “Those who were not selected did not deserve it any less. That tells you everything about the quality and the level of our women’s volleyball.”
Home-Grown Preparation and Government Backing
When questioned about the logistical preparation for the World Championship, Bourdanne threw flowers at the Cameroonian government, acknowledging their full financial backing. While the preferred option of a foreign training camp wasn’t possible, the squad has been put through its paces at home in the most ideal conditions.
“We had a very good preparation in Cameroon, punctuated by matches of the very highest level and intensity against senior men’s teams,” Bourdanne revealed. “It goes to show that our team has quality. They have been tested.”
Targeting a Historic Breakthrough
The history books make for sobering reading for Cameroonian volleyball fans at the world stage. The nation has never won a single set in its previous World Championship outings. But Bourdanne and his Lionesses are not travelling to make up the numbers. The ambition is clear and unequivocal.
“The goal is to go further. The ambition is to get past the first round,” he declared, a steely look in his eyes. This confidence, he explained, is rooted not just in technique, but in character. “We are confident in the quality and, above all, in the fighting spirit of our players.”
This is no mere wishful thinking. The rigorous selection process has, in Bourdanne’s view, forged a squad of immense motivation. “There were no free passes. Just the best. And these best are motivated to the hilt… they are ready to defend the jersey and do everything to be called up next time.”
A Message to the Nation
As the flight got set, Bourdanne had a final message for the Cameroonian public. He asked for their unwavering support as the team targets that crucial next round, but also offered a glimpse into a larger strategic vision.
He urged fans to “continue always to support us so that we make it to the next round,” framing this global tournament as a vital stepping stone. “Do not forget that this World Championship is for us a very good trial run with a view to the next Nations Championship in 2026, which we hope to win for the fourth time.”
The Indomitable Lionesses are off to Thailand. They may have left later than some, but they carry with them a burning desire to rewrite history.
