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The Brazilian coach Luizomar de Moura officially became the first foreign coach to lead a Cuban volleyball team.
"Following the process dedicated to analyzing the details of the proposal, the Cuban Volleyball Federation (FCV) is in a position to announce that the prestigious Brazilian coach Luizomar Moura will take over as the head coach of our country's women's national team," the FCV reported in a statement.
Moura's salary, the amount of which has not been disclosed, will be covered "under the Empowerment Project of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)," which will also finance "participation in training events, the acquisition of equipment, and actions to improve the infrastructure of our national school."
This development project between FCV and FIVB "has been designed for a period of four years, in accordance with an international practice that has been evident in countries such as Japan, Turkey, France, Italy, Argentina, and, in this case, will also contribute to the training of Cuban coaches," the statement specifies.
They also assure that the appointment of the new coach was agreed upon by "Inder, the Cuban Olympic Committee, and the National Volleyball Commission, before which Moura presented the details of the project, which was then discussed in depth."
This Sunday, the Brazilian will join the Cuban team participating in the NORCECA Women's Volleyball Pan American Cup, from August 3 to 10, in Colima, Mexico.
The news, which had been announced earlier in July by the specialized website CubanSp1ke, 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.
The 59-year-old Brazilian boasts a wealth of experience and a record that includes gold medals at the 2005 and 2007 Youth World Championships, the 2009 Cadet World Championship, and the title of women's club world champion in 2011 with Osasco.
Now, she faces the challenging task of almost entirely rebuilding a competitive women's team in Cuba from scratch.
According to CubanSp1ke, the current foundation of Cuban women's volleyball is made up of players who have very little participation in competitive leagues, many of whom are stagnant or lack real opportunities for development. Some, like Gretell Moreno, have shown progress, but they are exceptions in a bleak landscape.
The current state of Cuban women's volleyball is the result of nearly 20 years of poor management, neglect, and a lack of renewal, according to CubanSp1ke. The teachings of George have been lost, and the existing structure only functions as an obsolete system that fails to produce high-level athletes. The emerging talents often emigrate before making their debut with the national team, drawn by promises of contracts and earnings offered directly to their families.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luizomar de Moura's Arrival in Cuban Women's Volleyball
Who is Luizomar de Moura and what experience does he have in volleyball?
Luizomar de Moura is a Brazilian coach with an impressive record in international women's volleyball. He has won gold medals at the youth world championships in 2005 and 2007, the Cadet World Championship in 2009, and the women's club world championship title in 2011 with Osasco Voleibol Clube. Additionally, his experience includes coaching high-level teams in Brazil and South America.
Why was a foreign coach hired for the Cuban women's volleyball team?
Luizomar de Moura has been hired to revive and enhance the performance of Cuban women's volleyball, which has been in decline for nearly 20 years. The Cuban Volleyball Federation, in collaboration with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), decided that a foreign coach could bring new strategies and international experience to change the current dynamics of the Cuban team.
What is the current state of women's volleyball in Cuba?
Cuban women's volleyball is in a critical situation, with players having limited participation in high-level leagues and an outdated development system. The teachings of the legendary coach Eugenio George have been lost, and the current system is not producing elite athletes, which has resulted in many talented players emigrating in search of better opportunities.
How will Luizomar de Moura's project be financed with the Cuban team?
The project by Luizomar de Moura will be funded by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) through the Empowerment Project. This funding covers the coach's salary, participation in training events, the acquisition of equipment, and the improvement of the national volleyball school's infrastructure in Cuba.
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