Things do not change easily in Macedonian volleyball, at least when it comes to Cup winners. Strumica Nikob has earned the men’s trophy sixth time in a row, and the women’s trophy decorated the showcases of Rabotnicki Skopje for the third time in the last four seasons.
Following the positive experience from last year in Kavadarci, the MKD Volleyball Federation decided to re-organize a double final-four tournament with the participation of eight teams in both competitions. This time, the co-organizer of the tournament was the city of Radovish, which does not have a first league volleyball club, but the attendance at the final matches showed the desire of sports fans to watch exciting matches.
The volleyball players of Strumica Nikob confirmed their dominance in Macedonian volleyball by winning the 18th trophy in total, ninth in the Cup competition. The experienced team of the Macedonian champion with national team members Milev, Richliev, Nakov, Alexov, as well as the international player Colombian Joan Jaraba, in the semi-finals defeated the University of Tetovo in three sets, and in the final was better than GOK Borec, also with a clear victory with 3-0. In the woman’s competition, Rabotnicki Skopje took the first step towards defending the double crown from last season, first with a successful performance against last year’s cup-winner Janta Volley with 3-0, and then in the final against Nakovski Volley after four played sets. Jonuzi, Batalakovska, Stojanova and all others once again showed that they are the best team in the current season so far.
“We spent three successful days in Radovish, wanting to promote volleyball in a city without a first league team, just like we did in Kavadarci last year. This is a significant year for Macedonian volleyball, so this tournament was, in a way, an announcement of what is to come with the national teams that will play in the CEV European League, and then for the event that will be the highlight for all of us, which is the co-organization of CEV Eurovolley 2023 Men. That’s why I thank everyone, the Mayor Aco Ristov and everyone who was involved in the organization of the tournament in Radovish, as well as our media partner Macedonian Radio and Television, which broadcast all the matches”, says Secretary General Zoran Karanović.
Now it’s time for the league play-offs, and then the volleyball spectacle with the national teams will follow. For every member on Team MKD, this should be a period for pride and hopefully glory, but for sure period to remember.
