Cuban coaching duo joins national volleyball teams

The Volleyball Federation of Cambodia has signed two Cuban coaches after assessing their technical ability, which could be a good fit for Cambodia volleyball national teams.

The signing ceremony was made on 16 September with the presence of Cuba Ambassador in Cambodia, Liurka Rodríguez Barrios.

Karell Pena Ventoza will be in charge of Cambodia men’s beach volleyball team, while Berto Friol Barrios will coach Cambodia men’s volleyball national team.

“After the trial period, we can figure out that both coaches can bring in the quality that we want and fit with our target,” said Aing Sereypiseth, the Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of Cambodia.

“We want to win gold medal at the 32nd South East Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia next year. Everything is down to the real competition, and it won’t be easy as we say.

“With the addition of these two coaches, I believe that we will have high hope to achieve what we aim for at the Games.”

The contract of the Cuban coaching duo will last one year, meaning three months after SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia. There is a possibility of contract extension – depending on the performance and progress of the national teams.

“We have a lot of talented players, and we need to improve them on their technical aspects to make them more competitive,” Sereypiseth added.

“In the next 8 or 9 months, I hope our players will be able to improve with the support of all our coaches.”

Cambodia is set to have a friendly match with a team from Cuba in October to test the players’ tactical aspects and whole performance. They will also face Singapore as a part of their SEA Games preparation.