The gentle lapping of waves against Kasumai Beach in Banjul recently served as more than just a tranquil backdrop; it was the stage for an electrifying display of youthful athletic prowess. From September 4th to 6th, The Gambia hosted the inaugural CAVB Under 18 Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup, an event that not only showcased burgeoning talent but also firmly planted the small West African nation on the continental volleyball map. Far from merely participating, The Gambia, fueled by strategic international support, delivered a performance that hinted at a vibrant future for African beach volleyball, securing both a gold and a silver medal on their home sands. One might say they turned the `home advantage` into a masterclass.
The Girls` Gritty Pursuit of Gold
The Gambian girls` duo, Hoja Njie and Mariama Sambou, entered the tournament with quiet determination and swiftly turned it into a formidable winning streak. They navigated Pool A undefeated, then cruised through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, notably overcoming Morocco`s Hafsa Bouysfi and Marwa Chalhaoui in straight, yet intensely contested, sets (23-21, 23-21). Their journey to the final was flawless, a testament to their skill and teamwork. In the gold medal match, however, they faced a strong challenge from Ekete Moseka and Matatanu Mayala of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who ultimately claimed gold with a 2-0 victory (21-14, 21-18). While the gold eluded them, Njie and Sambou’s silver medal was a magnificent achievement, demonstrating the significant strides made in Gambian girls` beach volleyball. Meanwhile, Nigeria`s Pamela Miyoum Bawa and Odoh Ifechukwu Faustina secured the bronze, proving that the competition was not merely about winning, but about a continent-wide rise in talent.
A Golden Performance from the Boys
Not to be outdone, the Gambian boys` team provided a stunning display of dominance. Bakary Ensa Kanyi and Abdallah Bah embarked on an almost mythical five-match winning spree, dropping only a single set throughout the entire tournament. Their path to gold was marked by powerful serves, tactical plays, and unwavering focus. The pair culminated their impressive run by defeating Sulaiman Bangura and Alie Kainesie of Sierra Leone in a commanding straight-sets final (21-17, 21-16). Their lone dropped set came during a hard-fought semi-final victory against Morocco’s Adam Lahsini and Youssef Bouysfi (2-1: 21-16, 20-22, 15-08) – a minor blip in an otherwise perfect record. Sierra Leone`s silver was well-earned, having bested Ghana`s Justice Adusei Amoafo and Daniel Lartey in their semi-final, with the latter securing a well-deserved bronze. The boys` triumph was not just a medal; it was a statement.
The Engine of Empowerment: A Strategic Investment
These successes were no accident. They are a direct result of substantial, targeted investment. The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, has been a pivotal force. The FIVB alone has channeled USD 42,000 into a 12-month youth beach volleyball programme in The Gambia, entrusting the junior girls’ team development to seasoned coach Félix Lopez. This initiative forms part of a broader Youth Athlete Development Programme designed to blend high-level competition with sustained, long-term athlete growth. The ultimate goal? To prepare these promising young athletes for prestigious events like the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. It`s a calculated gamble on future talent, and if the recent results are any indication, it`s paying off handsomely. It seems some investments deliver more than just a return on capital; they deliver medals.
Beyond the Sand: Cultivating Technical Expertise
The commitment to developing volleyball in The Gambia extends far beyond the players themselves. Parallel to the tournament, the FIVB also facilitated the CAVB International Referee Candidates Course (IRCC) in The Gambia, investing an additional USD 6,000. This intensive course, inaugurated by The Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sport Bakary Y Badgie, was led by Brazilian referee expert Elzir Martins, supported by Egypt’s Ehab Narder. Attracting 22 candidates from 20 different National Federations, alongside 7 observers, the IRCC underscored a crucial truth: sports development isn`t just about athletic prowess; it`s about building a robust infrastructure of officials who understand the nuances of the game. After all, a flawlessly executed match requires flawless officiating, a technical ballet as intricate as the game itself.
A Blueprint for African Sporting Success
The inaugural CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup at Kasumai Beach served as a compelling showcase for the potent combination of raw talent, strategic investment, and dedicated development. With participants from 12 nations including Morocco, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and the host nation, The Gambia, the tournament epitomized regional collaboration. The Gambia`s remarkable performance – a gold and a silver medal – signifies not just national pride, but a beacon of what is achievable when foundational support meets aspirational youth. As the road to Dakar 2026 gets shorter, the sands of Banjul have certainly laid a golden path for the future of African beach volleyball.
Rupert Caldwell