President of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), Mrs Bouchra Hajij, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigerian international beach volleyball referee, Samuel Timothy.
Hajij also extended her condolences to Rwandan international referee Fadset following the death of his mother.
The CAVB president conveyed her sympathies to the bereaved families during the ongoing African Beach Volleyball Championship at Abu Hef Beach in Alexandria, Egypt.
Hajij described Timothy’s death as a major loss to the African volleyball family, recalling his commitment and service to beach volleyball across the continent.
According to her, the Nigerian official was a familiar figure at several beach volleyball competitions and made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the sport in Africa.
In honour of Timothy and as a mark of respect for the family of the Rwandan official, the championship’s Organising Committee observed a minute’s silence before the men’s match between Mauritius and Burundi.
The gesture brought players, officials and organisers together in mourning and remembrance, highlighting the sense of solidarity within the African volleyball community.
The African Beach Volleyball Championship, which is currently taking place in Alexandria, is scheduled to end on August 22.
The championship has attracted some of the continent’s leading men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams, with continental honours and qualification opportunities towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games at stake.