Bello Bourdanne: "Cameroon has become an international sporting destination"

Bello Bourdanne, a few months after your election as president of the Cameroonian Volleyball Federation (Fécavolley), you have secured the hosting of the next African Women's Volleyball Championship, scheduled for August 2023. How did you manage to convince the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) in such a short time?

Thank you for the interest Sport News Africa takes in the activities of the Cameroonian Volleyball Federation. Initially scheduled for August and September 2023, the African senior women's volleyball championship will run from 6 to 18 August 2023 at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex. Hosting such a prestigious competition should be seen as a victory for our country, which is a volleyball nation. It is already a success for the volleyball family, which is firmly committed to the path of reconciliation.

Speaking of behind the scenes, I have to go back to the day after my election on 20 January 2023, when I carried out a fact-finding mission to the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), whose headquarters are in Rabat, Morocco. My team and I were struck by the welcome from Madam Bouchra Hajij, president of the governing body of continental volleyball. At the end of the working session we had, it was agreed that the 21st edition of the African Women's Volleyball Championship would be held in Cameroon.

While this appointment marks international recognition of a newly elected board, it also reflects the sports diplomacy pursued by the Cameroonian government. In this regard, I must thank the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, who gave his high approval to hosting African volleyball.

Cameroon was competing with Egypt to host this tournament. What tipped the balance?

The CAVB put its trust in Cameroon over another nation that also has a tradition of hosting major international sporting events. Cameroon has been an international sporting destination for decades. Every year, our country has no fewer than 7 competitions on its sporting calendar. That is Cameroon's secret. We have made selling our country's image through volleyball the focus of our term in office. That means presenting a positive image and defending the interests of young people on the one hand, and of the country as a whole on the other.

What challenges does such an event involve?

The challenges are of several kinds: sporting, diplomatic, cultural, economic and tourist-related. This choice, whose scope and stakes we appreciate, rests on the major role our volleyball has played on the African and international sporting scene for several decades, on our country's know-how in staging major sporting events, confirmed by the success of the 2021 football AFCON, and even more on the firm determination of the Fécavolley and the Cameroonian State to use this competition to equip our country with top-level volleyball materials and equipment, in both quantity and quality, while significantly strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders in volleyball coaching and refereeing.

The ultimate aim is to position Cameroon, a multiple winner of the African Women's Volleyball Championship, to go after honours on the world stage. We intend to make this competition a real success for our country. All people of goodwill are called upon to help deliver this huge undertaking.

Is the Fécavolley already hard at work on preparations?

Yes! We are working in synergy with the public authorities and all stakeholders. The newly appointed technical staff are already at work, and contacts of various kinds have been made. The preparation machine for this prestigious event is already up and running. Aware that August is just around the corner, the Fécavolley is pleased with the arrangements made by the government, which, gradually, four months before the event, is giving us to understand that Cameroon is expecting a celebration that we want to be excellent in every respect.

However, a leadership battle is raging within the Fécavolley, where your predecessor continues to claim the presidency of the body. Aren't you afraid this crisis could undermine the smooth organisation of this championship? All the more so as we have heard it said that he allegedly wrote to the Prime Minister, head of government, to have the holding of this continental tournament in Cameroon cancelled…

The priority, as I told you earlier, is preparing for this competition, which African volleyball and Cameroon are awaiting with a certain fervour. Just remember that it is not the one who sweats the most who dances the best. Every serious citizen protects the interests and image of their country. My colleagues have reported to me the few facts you list. Writing to the head of government to ask for the cancellation of a high-calibre competition, one that is a qualifier for the World Championships, remains a sign of the lack of love for their country shown by people who have received everything from the State when they lose a post.

They did not stop at writing to the head of government. Individuals have forbidden young athletes to take part in Fécavolley activities. People have gone to see parents to stop children joining the national teams. I was elected by 100% of volleyball players. My election was ratified, validated and recognised by the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the African Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation. That is the chain of personalities and institutions to which I answer. The State stands firm. It will not back down in the face of the sleight of hand of blackmailers.

Interview conducted by Arthur WANDJI