The African volleyball community has paid tribute to Nigerian international beach volleyball referee Samuel Timothy, whose death has been mourned by African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) president Bouchra Hajij.
Hajij also offered her condolences to Rwandan international referee Fadset after the loss of his mother. She shared both messages of sympathy with the grieving families during the African Beach Volleyball Championship at Abu Hef Beach in Alexandria, Egypt.
Describing Timothy’s passing as a serious blow to African volleyball, the CAVB president highlighted his dedication to beach volleyball and the years of service he gave to the sport across the continent. She said the Nigerian referee had been a well-known presence at numerous beach volleyball events and had played an important role in advancing the discipline in Africa.
As a tribute to Timothy and in recognition of the loss suffered by Fadset’s family, the championship Organising Committee held a minute’s silence before the men’s fixture between Mauritius and Burundi.
Players, match officials and organisers joined in the observance, creating a shared moment of grief that reflected the unity and mutual support within African volleyball.
The African Beach Volleyball Championship is continuing in Alexandria and is due to conclude on August 22. The tournament features leading men’s and women’s teams from across the continent, with African titles and qualification opportunities for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games both at stake.
