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After years of uncertainty for the women's team, the arrival of the renowned Brazilian coach Luizomar de Moura to Cuba seems imminent, as he would become the first foreign coach to lead a Cuban volleyball team.
Her hiring will be made possible by an agreement managed by Mireya Luis, vice president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation, which has the support of the international governing body of the sport, responsible for covering the coach's salary, without the national entity or the INDER having to bear the cost.
The information was published on Facebook by the specialized page CubanSp1ke, which detailed that Luizomar, 59 years old, has an impressive record that includes gold medals at the youth world championships in 2005 and 2007, the cadet world championship in 2009, and the title of women’s club world champion in 2011 with Osasco Voleibol Clube. That same year, Osasco once again won the Superliga of Brazil, sweeping all titles disputed both in Brazil and in South America.
A monumental challenge to revive women’s volleyball
However, Luizomar, the very media outlet exposed, faces the challenging task of rebuilding a competitive women's team in Cuba practically from scratch. According to CubanSp1ke, the current foundation of Cuban women's volleyball consists of players who barely participate in high-level leagues, many of whom are stagnant or without real opportunities for development. Some, like Gretell Moreno, have shown progress, but they are exceptions in a bleak landscape.
Other prominent players such as Diaris Pérez and Ailama Cese have declined to be part of the national team to protect their physical well-being and financial situation, while the possibility of reaching out to veterans like Wilma Salas for assistance in training is being considered, although this is viewed as unlikely.
Mixed opinions about his arrival
The news has generated both support and opposition: some believe it is essential to bring in a foreign coach to change the dynamics and restore the prestige of Cuban women's volleyball, while others argue that there are qualified professionals on the island and that the solution lies in drawing from the teachings of the late Eugenio George or other trained nationals, and rebuilding the structure from the ground up.
A structure in ruins
The current state of Cuban women's volleyball is the result of nearly 20 years of poor management, neglect, and lack of renewal, according to CubanSp1ke. The teachings of George have been lost, and the existing structure only operates as an obsolete system that does not produce athletes of high caliber. The emerging talents often emigrate before debuting with the national team, drawn by promises of contracts and earnings offered directly to their families.
According to sources close to the mentioned website, Luizomar has even considered the possibility of relocating the team's training to Brazil after witnessing the critical condition of the national school, although this option does not appear to be feasible.
The legacy that is being sought to rescue
Despite the magnitude of the challenge, the arrival of Luizomar represents the last hope to revive Cuban women's volleyball, which has not participated in the Olympic Games for 17 years.
The road is long and complex: before aspiring to results or rankings, Cuba needs to rebuild a team with a minimum level, something Luizomar will have to attempt in an adverse environment and with limited resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about Women's Volleyball in Cuba and the Arrival of Luizomar de Moura
Who is Luizomar de Moura and what accomplishments does he have in his coaching career?
Luizomar de Moura is a prominent Brazilian coach with an impressive track record that includes gold medals at the U-19 World Championships in 2005 and 2007, the U-16 World Championship in 2009, and the title of women's club world champion in 2011 with Osasco Voleibol Clube.
What challenges does Luizomar de Moura face in leading the Cuban women's volleyball team?
Luizomar faces the challenge of essentially rebuilding a competitive women's team in Cuba from scratch, in an adverse environment and with limited resources, as many current players lack participation in high-level leagues and are stagnating in their development.
Why has a foreign coach been hired for Cuban women's volleyball?
The hiring of Luizomar de Moura has been seen as a necessity to change the dynamics and restore the prestige of Cuban women's volleyball, as the current structure has been in decline for nearly 20 years, failing to produce high-level athletes.
What role has Mireya Luis played in the hiring of Luizomar de Moura?
Mireya Luis, Vice President of the Cuban Volleyball Federation, facilitated the agreement for the hiring of Luizomar, which is supported by the international federation, responsible for covering the coach's salary.
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