Today, Maputo mourns the loss of an iconic figure in the world of Mozambican sports, Camilo Antão, who passed away at the age of 73 after suffering from an illness. A former president of the Mozambican Volleyball Federation (FMV), Antão left an indelible legacy not only as a sports leader but also as an educator and tireless promoter of volleyball in the country.
Camilo Antão was more than a figure in Mozambican volleyball; he was the history of the sport itself. His impressive academic career, with a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in Physical Education with a specialization in Volleyball from the University of Leipzig, Germany, and a master's degree in Sports Science from the University of Porto, Portugal, demonstrates his commitment to excellence and in-depth knowledge of the sport he loved.
Founder of the FMV and national coach of the sport, Antão played a crucial role in the development and popularization of volleyball in Mozambique. His vision transcended borders, and he successfully introduced beach volleyball to the country, contributing to its establishment not only nationally but also regionally and globally.
As president of the FMV for two decades, Camilo Antão was a respected and inspiring leader. His dedication to the cause of volleyball knew no bounds, and his passion for the sport was reflected not only in his impressive academic achievements but also in the way he shaped and guided the trajectory of Mozambican volleyball.
In addition to his role at FMV, Antão contributed significantly to the training of Physical Education professionals as a professor at the National Institute of Physical Education (INEF) and as a lecturer at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports at the Pedagogical University.
The Mozambican sports community loses not only a leader, but a mentor, a visionary who left an indelible mark on the country's volleyball. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those touched by his passion, determination, and invaluable contributions to Mozambican volleyball. Camilo Antão, a life dedicated to the sport, leaves a void that can only be filled by the continuation of his work and his continued love for volleyball in Mozambique.
