“I don’t regret not playing with the Yellow Tigers this summer. It was a good choice. A priority too, after three years of non-stop volleyball, month after month. I needed to recharge,” admits Manon Stragier, captain of Asterix Avo Beveren, at the presentation of her club, which introduced many new sponsors and showcased its honors: 1 European Cup, 13 Supercups, 19 Belgian Cups, 17 titles, and 1 BeNe Cup, achievements that even Knack Roeselare and Greenyard Maaseik look at with a hint of envy.

“During this break, I enjoyed things outside volleyball, especially spending time with friends and family. I hardly saw my boyfriend, Jari De Busser, because last year he was the hero of Dutch football club Go Ahead Eagles from Deventer, with which he unexpectedly won the Dutch Cup. They even talked about building a statue for him, but that didn’t happen. As a result, I haven’t seen him for the past three weeks either, since he has been preparing with his team for a European Cup match in Athens against Panathinaikos,” smiles Manon.

“That’s why I wasn’t angry when the Supercup was canceled, because it allowed me to see him again this weekend. Although Asterix was fully ready for that Supercup. Last week, we played two friendly matches in Istanbul: losing 3-1 against Turkish Airlines and winning 3-1 against Aydin, two strong teams from the powerful Turkish league.

But even without the Supercup, we are facing a tough start to the season: away at Tchalou and in Europe against Olympiakos Piraeus. That last one could be decisive for advancing further in the Champions League. When I see the names of their players, I am admittedly a bit impressed. If we win, Budapest awaits us, and if we make it into the Champions League, we will be up against giants like Eczacibasi, Milan, and the Serbian champion.”

The advantage for Asterix this season is that only two new players joined the squad. “With Britt Fransen, we now have three strong starting middle blockers, and Annick Meijers will quickly prove to be an excellent opposite hitter. And a ‘best of 5’ as the grand finale of the season? Well, fewer risks of being upset on a bad day.”

Still tough if you had to play with the Yellow Tigers again in the VNL two weeks later? (laughs) “First, let’s finish the season, and then we’ll see.”
(MC)