Tchalou Volley is experiencing an exceptional preseason, marked by extraordinary setbacks in the setter position. An unlikely succession of injuries is confronting the club with enormous challenges.

In April 2025, Lien Van Geertruyden, likely heading into a summer full of volleyball with the Yellow Tigers, tore her cruciate ligaments and both menisci during a relatively harmless jump. The injury required major surgery and a long rehabilitation, expected to last until November. In August, setter Lea Josevski, a promising talent at Tchalou and the Young Yellow Tigers, suffered a similar cruciate ligament injury during a routine running motion. Her recovery timeline has yet to be determined. Then, in September, Italian setter Eleonora Muscetti, signed as a temporary replacement, injured her foot after twisting her ankle.

Three excellent setters, three severe injuries. An almost unreal series of disappointments for the border-side team.
"The severely disrupted start to the season is minimal due to this disaster scenario," says coach Ugo Blairon in dismay. "We could barely build automatisms. I’ve been working with this club for ten years. This is the worst preparation ever. This unimaginable situation makes genuine team progression far from easy. But sometimes, the most beautiful moments grow out of so much adversity."

Blairon remains cautiously optimistic: "There is a lot of potential in this renewed team, although it is difficult to gauge how strong we truly are. Everyone works extremely hard despite the situation. Agata Blairon, normally the team manager and out of play for two years, is now ready to step in as the fourth setter to help us, to fill in when needed. We must remain realistic and see how long this difficult period lasts, but the team spirit is already impressive. This team wants to play with heart and soul for each other and for the club. With this excellent mentality, perhaps the moment will come — after the setters return — when our game suddenly clicks, and we can still expect strong volleyball."

This coming weekend brings the opening Liga match against Amigos Zoersel. The Belgian Cup match against Geel will follow shortly after. On the European stage, Tchalou will face Fleyr Törshavn from the Faroe Islands. They may not be giant killers, but caution is advised given the circumstances. In the meantime, new signings like Kunikova (Czech outside hitter), Ilieva (Bulgarian middle blocker), and Belgian rising star Tea Radovic, also a member of the Yellow Tigers, will have the chance to prove their worth — possibly against title favourite Asterix Avo from Beveren.
Blairon continues to believe in his team and maintains his courage: "The road will not be easy, but that’s exactly what makes our journey particularly fascinating and interesting."

(WV)