The modest shores of The Gambia have long been celebrated for their serene beauty. Now, they`re gaining recognition for something equally captivating: a burgeoning hub for African youth beach volleyball. This September, the nation proudly hosted the inaugural CAVB Under 18 Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup in Banjul, an event that not only showcased thrilling athletic prowess but also underscored a strategic vision for the sport`s future, largely fueled by the FIVB`s insightful Volleyball Empowerment program.
It wasn`t just a tournament; it was a statement. A statement that even the smallest nations, when strategically supported, can stand tall on the international stage, serving notice to the world.
The Girls` Battle: A Glimmer of Silver, A Spark of Hope
The Gambian girls` duo of Hoja Njie and Mariama Sambou certainly made their nation proud. With the roar of local fans echoing across Kasumai Beach, they navigated their way through the competition with a determined stride, topping Pool A unbeaten and cruising through the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Their journey to the final was a testament to their dedication, a direct result of the 12-month youth beach volleyball program in The Gambia, backed by a significant USD 42,000 FIVB investment and guided by coach Félix Lopez.
Their gripping semi-final against Morocco`s Hafsa Bouysfi and Marwa Chalhaoui saw them clinch victory in straight, hard-fought sets (23-21, 23-21). While the gold medal eventually went to the formidable Democratic Republic of Congo pair, Ekete Moseka and Matatanu Mayala, who triumphed 2-0 in the final, The Gambia`s silver was a beacon of progress. Not to be overshadowed, Nigeria’s Pamela Miyoum Bawa and Odoh Ifechukwu Faustina secured a well-deserved bronze, demonstrating the widespread talent blossoming across the continent, making the medal podium a truly pan-African affair.
Boys` Dominance: A Golden Run on Home Soil
If the girls offered hope, the boys delivered triumph. Bakary Ensa Kanyi and Abdallah Bah, representing the host nation, put on a masterclass of beach volleyball. Their five-match winning streak was only slightly punctuated by dropping a single set in their semi-final clash against Morocco – a minor blip on an otherwise flawless path to glory, proving even champions are occasionally human.
In a thrilling final, Kanyi and Bah faced off against Sierra Leone`s resilient Sulaiman Bangura and Alie Kainesie. The Gambian duo, fueled by the home crowd`s energy, secured a decisive 2-0 victory (21-17, 21-16), claiming the gold medal and solidifying their status as rising stars. Ghana’s Justice Adusei Amoafo and Daniel Lartey rounded out the podium, clinching the bronze in a spirited performance against Morocco, ensuring every medal felt hard-earned.
The Architect of Ambition: FIVB`s Empowerment Vision
This tournament was more than just wins and losses; it was a tangible output of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, conducted in partnership with Olympic Solidarity. This initiative isn`t merely about funding events; it`s about a holistic “Youth Athlete Development Programme” designed to combine high-level competition with sustained, long-term investment in athlete growth. The target? The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, where these very athletes could represent their nations, potentially rewriting their sporting narratives.
The USD 42,000 invested in The Gambia`s youth program is a testament to this commitment, fostering not just skills but also strategic coaching, as seen with Félix Lopez`s guidance. This commitment extends to other nations too; Nigeria, for instance, is set to benefit from a new Coach Support project, with Luciano Regis taking the helm for their national beach volleyball teams. It`s a continent-wide uplift, one expertly delivered serve and precise spike at a time, proving that genuine empowerment requires more than just good intentions.
Building Bridges, Not Just Points: The Referee`s Role
But what’s a thriving sport without fair play and expert officiating? Parallel to the competitive action, The Gambia also hosted the CAVB International Referee Candidates Course (IRCC). With a further USD 6,000 investment from the FIVB, this course, led by Brazilian expert Elzir Martins and Egypt’s Ehab Narder, brought together 22 candidates from 20 National Federations, alongside 7 observers.
It’s an often-overlooked aspect of sports development, yet critically important. As The Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Bakary Y Badgie, aptly noted at the opening ceremony, investing in officials is investing in the integrity and future sustainability of the game. It ensures that as the players grow, so too does the ecosystem around them, capable of supporting elite-level competition. It`s a quiet testament to the comprehensive approach needed for true sporting development – the unseen backbone of every thrilling rally, ensuring the rules are more than just suggestions.
A New Chapter for African Beach Volleyball
The inaugural CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup in The Gambia marks a significant milestone. It`s a vibrant illustration of how targeted investment, international collaboration, and local talent can coalesce to create a powerful engine for sports development. The golden sands of Banjul are no longer just a tourist attraction; they are now fertile ground for future Olympians and a beacon for African beach volleyball. The journey to Dakar 2026 has officially begun, and The Gambia is leading the charge, serving up inspiration with every volley and, perhaps, a few surprises along the way.
Marcus Blakely