Havana, June 2 (PL) -- The president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation (FCV), Ariel Saínz, today recognized the performance of his country's men's national team during the first week of the Nations League.
We are very motivated and committed to the result (of Jesús Cruz's students), the also first vice president of the Confederation of North America, Central America and the Caribbean of the discipline (Norceca) told Prensa Latina.
In the context of the I Women's Under-17 Pan American Cup of the high mesh sport, Saínz agreed to delve into the possibility of the team from the largest Caribbean island advancing to the next Olympic Games.
After Cuba's victories three sets to one against Brazil, 3-1 against Germany, 2-3 defeat against Japan and 3-1 victory over Iran, he considered that it is something that has been worked on for years with the implementation of different strategies.
It included those related to technical, legal, administrative issues and “let's say that it currently has its moment of greatest splendor,” said the president of the FCV.
United in this team, he remarked, are long-standing players who have remained for years in the elite of international volleyball, references for each of their functions.
He highlighted the cases of Robertlandy Simón and Michael Sánchez, along with others who had opportunities from a very young age, given even by the implementation of Cuban public policies, he stressed.
In addition to the integration of these factors, he highlighted the support received from the International Volleyball Federation, with the logistical support to have an analyst in the team, as well as the development of the management team.
Logically, we have not reached the final goal, which is qualification for the Paris event, from July 26 to August 11, but we are convinced that there is great motivation, that the athletes are committed, he stated.
When these factors exist, plus the talent you have, the objectives are achieved and success is achieved, Saínz emphasized, while describing the second stage as difficult starting next Tuesday the 4th in Canada.
That day Cuba will compete against the locals, then with the Netherlands (on the 6th), Italy on the 7th and France on the 8th. It would close in Ljubljana, Slovenia, against the hosts on the 19th, Serbia (20th), Bulgaria (21st) and Poland on the 23rd. of June.
There is no comfortable week, there everyone has a different requirement, insisted the federation, who pointed out in favor of the fact that the rivals on duty, some are already classified to the Olympics and others above in the world ranking.
In his opinion, Cuba could continue increasing the difference in relation to Serbia, which is the closest pursuer, now 22 points away.
“We have maintained stable communication with the technical team, from an administrative point of view, and above all with some players who are key within the squad,” stated the FCV president.
On the 24th of this month, the International Volleyball Federation will publish the universal ranking that will define the last five quotas heading to the French city.
