Felix Lopez and team Gambia make history at the U18 beach volleyball World Championships in Doha
In October 2025, we (Felix and Leane) traveled to Doha, Qatar, to participate in the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship with the national boys’ and girls’ teams of The Gambia. Félix López served as the head coach for both teams, while Leane van Silfhout joined as the official photographer, capturing every moment of this unforgettable championship.
This journey was more than just a sporting event. It was a story of breakthrough, cultural exchange, international recognition, and the rise of Africa as an emerging power in beach volleyball. In this article, we take you step by step through our extraordinary experience in Qatar: from the turbulent start of our journey to the historic achievements on the world stage.
The journey: a chaotic start turned into adventure
As is often the case with true adventures, our journey did not start smoothly.
Our flight from Amsterdam experienced an initial one-hour delay, which eventually turned into nearly three hours. With only a 75-minute connection time in Istanbul, it quickly became clear—we were going to miss our connecting flight to Doha.
Coincidentally, Team Gambia was also stranded in Istanbul—but at a different airport. What followed was a real test of patience and teamwork: collecting luggage, arranging new tickets, rushing by taxi across the city, and finally reuniting at the main international terminal.
At 1:00 AM, we finally boarded our rescheduled flight to Doha, arriving at the hotel around 8:00 AM—tired, hungry, sweating, but welcomed by an open breakfast buffet. And that first plate of food truly tasted like victory.
First training days in the desert heat
The days that followed were all about acclimatization, structured training, and building strong team spirit.
With temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, training sessions were mainly held just before sunset.
Felix delivered impactful motivational sessions focused on discipline, teamwork, and time management, core values essential for top-level athletes. Every day, the team grew stronger, both mentally and physically.
Training took place at the Qatar Olympic Academy, a world-class sports facility where athletes from around the globe prepared for competition. There was sweat, laughter, and progress every single day.
Shooting Day – STAR Beachwear Collaboration
One of the highlights before the tournament was the official photoshoot with STAR Beachwear, our team sponsor.
Set against the stunning backdrop of West Bay Beach, the players posed like true professionals. The vibrant colors of STAR Beachwear reflected the energy, confidence, and pride of the Gambian teams.
Even under the blazing sun, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. The players felt seen, inspired, and ready to represent their nation on the world stage.
A global stage & new friendships
As the tournament approached, Doha began to fill with teams from all over the world: Brazil, Canada, Japan, Poland, Venezuela, The Netherlands, USA, and more.
During the official training matches against Lithuania, The Netherlands, Venezuela and Paraguay, the Gambian athletes demonstrated exceptional potential.
Coach Felix quickly built connections with coaches from Africa, Latin America, and Europe—resulting in valuable friendships and professional relationships that will shape the future of beach volleyball in Africa.
A historic world championship debut
Toen het WK eindelijk begon, was de spanning voelbaar.
The excitement was tangible when the championship officially began.
The Gambian girls’ team, Hoja Njie and Mariama Sambou, faced Canada in their opening match. Despite a loss, they remained mentally strong. In their second match, they made Gambian history by defeating host nation Qatar with a 2–0 victory. It was the first-ever win for Gambia at a Beach Volleyball World Championship.
The boys’ team, Ensa and Abdallah, delivered one of the most memorable performances of the tournament by defeating the United States of America in a thrilling three-set match (22–20, 14–21, 15–12). The arena erupted in cheers—this was a defining moment for African beach volleyball.
Growth, determination & global recognition
The success continued as both teams advanced from the group stages. The girls reached the Round of 16, while the boys fought their way into the top 10 in the world.
Final Ranking:
- 🥇 Boys – 9th place globally
- 🥈 Girls – 17th place out of 32 teams
For a debuting nation without a long-standing beach volleyball infrastructure, these results are extraordinary.
Even the FIVB recognized the impact of Gambia’s performance, publishing an official article titled:
“The Gambia’s fairytale start ignites African pride.”
They praised Coach Félix López for his leadership, professionalism, and vision for the future of African volleyball.
“We are here to represent Africa, not just The Gambia. Every positive step means a lot to us.”
— Bakary Ensa Kanyi
The closing chapter – A new beginning
After the competition, we explored Qatar’s cultural beauty with team bonding activities, including a desert safari, sandboarding, a visit to Souq Waqif, and a night cruise over the bay of Doha. It was a celebration of unity, friendship, and achievement.
Late at night, the Gambian teams departed back home. Felix accompanied them to the airport, surrounded by Gambian athletes living in Doha. It was not a farewell—it was the beginning of a new chapter for Gambia’s beach volleyball legacy.
Looking back with pride
Qatar revealed itself as a nation of contrast and hospitality—modern yet traditional, innovative yet cultural, clean, safe, and welcoming.
For Gambia, this World Championship marked a turning point.
A message to the world: Africa is rising, and The Gambia is ready to lead.
This journey was living proof that with passion, discipline and the right guidance, dreams can turn into milestones.
The journey of The Gambia has only just begun.
© Photography by Leane van Silfhout – Official Photographer of Team Gambia at the U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship in Qatar. All rights reserved.
Team members
- Girls: Hoja Njie & Mariama Sambou
- Boys: Bakary Ensa Kanyi & Abdallah Bah
- Head Coach: Félix López
- Assistant Coach: Amadou Jarju
- Photography & Media: Leane van Silfhout
Key objectives
- Represent Gambia at world level
- Make beach volleyball history
- Showcase African talent and development
- Inspire future generations
Results at a glance
- 🥇 Boys: 9th in the world
- 🥈 Girls: 17th in the world
- 🌍 First African nation to achieve this milestone at U18 level
- 🏅 Praised by FIVB for organization, conduct & professional approach
- 🌱 Foundation laid for future international success
