Despite a straight-sets defeat to Japan in their inaugural match of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, Cameroon`s head coach, Paulo de Tarso Milagres, expressed optimism regarding the prospects of his developing squad.
The Japanese team, spearheaded by captain Mayu Ishikawa, secured a dominant 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-19, 25-21) at Huamark Indoor Stadium. Nevertheless, Cameroon distinguished themselves with robust net defense, accumulating 11 blocking points that successfully unsettled their seasoned rivals. Standout players included middle blocker Flore Nabyong and opposite Carine Blamdaï, who particularly shone as the African team showcased their competitive spirit before an audience of nearly 3,000 fans.
Milagres remarked, “It is a tremendous honor to participate, and I am profoundly proud of my team`s effort today. With enhanced preparation, we believe we could have delivered a more formidable performance, potentially securing a set or even two. Achieving this, however, necessitates comprehensive support. While some attribute shortcomings to psychological factors, I contend that extended and superior preparation directly elevates technical prowess, which in turn fosters greater confidence. This is precisely what we require: more thorough and prolonged training.”
Earlier this year, the Brazilian coach assumed his role as part of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Coach Support Project, an initiative that injected $84,000 to bolster Cameroon`s national program. He characterized leading the team in his inaugural World Championship as an experience that was equally challenging and gratifying.
“I am filled with pride; being here is a privilege,” Milagres stated. “While not my first World Championship, I feel prepared for both this tournament and future obstacles. This is an incredible journey, offering the chance to compete against the globe`s elite teams and athletes. It`s a vast learning experience, and I`m thoroughly embracing every moment.”
Against Japan, the majority of Cameroon`s points came from Blamdaï and opposite Estelle Adiana, with outside hitter Brandy Gatcheu also demonstrating significant attacking prowess. Crucially, it was Cameroon`s formidable blocking game that established their presence, compelling Japan`s attackers to adapt their offensive strategies.
Milagres emphasized that competing against a high-caliber team like Japan provided an invaluable learning experience, one that his squad must leverage as a foundation for future development.
“I take pride in our performance in this match, though we must become somewhat more astute,” he observed. “Against a team of Japan`s caliber, there`s no margin for the typical errors we might commit. This serves as a vital lesson. We are compelled to absorb knowledge from teams possessing such refined technical quality and apply these insights as we progress.”
Cameroon is scheduled to encounter reigning champions Serbia on Monday, followed by their final Pool H match against Ukraine on Wednesday.
Finley Blackwood 
Oliver Wrenwick