Volleyball is back in Israel, all eyes set on EuroVolley qualifiers

After the national authorities eased a month-long lockdown earlier this month, members of the Israeli Volleyball family could finally re-convene for a press conference organised in conjunction with the much-awaited start of the 2020-2021 season – and to promote the EuroVolley Men qualifier due to take place in the Holy Land in early January 2021. Unfortunately, media could follow the event only via Zoom, and yet the press conference hosted by Dan Shiray, who is in charge of Marketing and events at the Israel Volleyball Association (IVA), was a much-needed boost of energy for all members of the Israeli Volleyball family.  

The recently elected IVA President, Mr Asher Kaso, was the first to take the floor. “I would like to wish the whole world of Israeli sports and to Israeli people good health and a quick return to their daily routine. Sport is part of our culture and I hope that the decision makers will find ways for us to resume our activities in the best possible way,” he said. “The corporate slogan we chose for our association some years ago emphasises its importance and relevance in terms of social networking – and this is even more important these days. I have been chairing the association for two and a half months now. I enjoy the meetings with the players and the IVA team. We are finally able to re-start activities in compliance with all relevant protocols. This journey started from the Ministries of Health and Sports, as they provided their guidance for us to start the season and continue with our activities. This move requires much responsibility from each of us.”

Mr Kaso continued: “The coronavirus does not make it easy for us, but I am confident that the IVA staff and the clubs will be working hard and responsibly to make this season a success. Of course, we will be careful and if we feel like something has gone wrong, we will make the necessary steps back and adjustments. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the CEO Yaniv Noyman for working 24/7 during this period as well as all of the IVA staff for their commitment and dedication. I thank all the media following us, since you play a key role for the success and further development of our sport.”

Noam Katz, who is coaching Hapoel MATE-ASHER AKKO as well as the men’s national team, expects a very close and exciting competition in the men’s championship, with multiple clubs in contention for the title. Moreover, he obviously looks forward to the EuroVolley qualifier in January. “I sat here a year ago, shortly after my appointment as national team coach. I had made plans on how to promote the national team, but we have been going through a difficult and rocky year. The EuroVolley qualifiers were supposed to take place in the summer, and eventually we will contest the tournament in January, but the goals remain the same and we will be preparing accordingly. We held a training camp earlier this summer to develop the chemistry among the players – and they all worked with much enthusiasm, especially since the camp took place after a long break and an abrupt end to the national league due to the pandemic. We showed to them through this camp there is something they can work for and look forward to – the EuroVolley qualifier.”

“Bulgaria have one of the best teams in the world and some elite players,” he continued looking at the opponents. “However, my players are committed and hungry for success. We have not played a single international match since doing so in 2018 in Latvia and not a single match since my appointment as head coach. However, when a EuroVolley qualifier comes, there are no excuses. I am happy that the IVA decided to host the tournament – it is the best way to promote the sport,” Katz continued.

“We started the season in August but the return of the coronavirus affected us. We could not play our CEV Champions League 1st Round matches and therefore we will contest the CEV Cup only,” said Galit Devash, who plays for the Israeli women’s national team as well as for Hapoel KFAR SABA. “I have to admit that the lockdown has caused many problems to us – mentally and financially as well. The way the last season ended was difficult to accept as well. I am especially grateful to the Israel Volleyball Association for helping organise a training camp for us earlier this year. I hope we will have a good start to the season and finish it properly,” she added.

Chen Himelfarb, coach of the women’s national team, said: “I am very grateful for the trust that the Israel Volleyball Association has placed in me. The challenges are great, but with the right investment and well-designed plans, we can achieve our goals. The players are committed and loyal. We are experiencing a generation change, with young girls from the Wingate Academy joining the team. Some of them are professionals who play in Europe as well as in the United States. The goals are clear - in January, we play France, Hungary and Denmark in the EuroVolley qualifiers. It is not an easy task but we will be doing the best we can. Despite the first and second lockdown, the IVA has provided us with the opportunity to work together and train – so this is a great thing.”

“Coaching the team is first and foremost exciting. I was an assistant coach for a decade, I wanted the job, and I am glad the IVA has put me at the helm of the team. A new generation needs to grow with long-term plans. This should not put pressure on them, but we know that there is potential. If I look further ahead, I am confident there will be a very strong Israeli women’s national team,” he concluded.