African Queens Tournament - Raiders RL crowned champions for the third time

The African Queens tournament (formerly the Laureanne Biville tournament) came to an end yesterday, 14th August with Raiders Rugby League Academy being emerging as the winners for the 3rd time. The tournament which was held on 13th-14th August took place at the Stade du Grand Seminaire de Nkolbisson. Six female teams participated; Raiders RL Academy, Rock RL, Air Garoua RL, Gorilla RL, Panda RL & Sahel RL.

The tournament commenced with a match between the former champions and Rock RL. Raiders beat Rock RL and Air Garoua RL by 10 - 0 and 8 - 0 respectively.

Third match saw Rock RL being defeated by Air Garoua by a 4-6 score.

The Gorilla RL tasted their first defeat as Panda RL scored them 8 - 0.

Sahel RL were too strong for Panda RL and Gorilla RL, beating both teams by 10 - 6 and 6 - 0 respectively.

The finals was played between the previous champions, Raiders Rugby League Academy and Air Garoua. Raiders RL proved to Air Garoua why they have the tournament won two times consecutively by beating them 40 - 06. Raiders RL ladies are the African Queens.

Speaking to Khalil Njoya ( Head CoachCameroon Rugby League National Team), this is what he had to say.

The tournament was extremely successful. After many months of planning, it came to fruition and was nothing short of glorious. Raiders once again took the trophy home. 

I was really glad to see the girls come from 6 teams and 3 regions come to play. They showed us that the game really is going well in the nation and the development is amazing. We had many surprises and some of these girls showed us that they are ready for the Mea Cup and team Cameroon is in a better position now. 

We would like to thank all our partners especially Société Générale Cameroon for the great support throughout the years and hope for many more years of partnership to come. Also to our friends from Making My Grass Greener and the Crtv sports national television channel.

Paul Youmbi (Founder & Coach of Raiders Rugby League) shared his thoughts on the tournament.

I'm so glad we could achieve this because empowering our girls through rugby league is our goal.The challenge is huge but our heart beat is for our passion. 

We've been learning a lot of coaching and pampering our girls and for sure women's rugby league has a bright future In Africa. Unfortunately our efforts are not enough to succeed and we'll need more financial support from the government, the rugby league government body and all the volunteers/stakeholders.

The next target is the next door so let's join our efforts.

The African Queens tournament ended with a closing ceremony where some executional ladies were awarded for the performance.

Top Try Scorer - Gatchien Gerardine (Raiders RL)

Top Defender - Messoua Alexandrine (Raiders RL)

Best player - Mayang Danielle (Air Garoua Rugby League)