Not so long ago, Ghent volleyball teams consistently topped the standings or claimed cup victories, both in the women’s and men’s competitions.

Today, anyone looking for the once-proud Ghent teams must start at the bottom of the rankings. Still, there are small glimmers of hope and future perspectives for both Dok Noord and Caruur Gent. Last weekend, the men’s team managed to pass on the red lantern to Guibertin after a 3–2 victory against that same opponent.

“In fact, we should have finished the job earlier, especially in the fourth set which we lost 26–28. Fortunately, in the tie-break we could rely on a strong serving run by Ferre Roelens to keep the win at home,” says experienced player Lowie Stuer.
Long-time volleyball followers will remember the now 30-year-old from Beveren as the libero who was named Best Libero of the 2017 European Championship in Poland, where the Red Dragons finished fourth. “I didn’t make a fortune, but I gained invaluable experience playing against Europe’s top teams. Despite winning a title with Knack Roeselare and enjoying good seasons in Antwerp, Ghent and Menen, I look back with great pleasure on my time in Sète, France, where my wife and I shared wonderful moments. Unfortunately, that period was abruptly cut short by Covid. I returned to Menen and have now been back in Ghent for several years,” explains the 30-year-old podiatrist, who now lives in Maarkedal with his growing family. He is therefore well placed to put his finger on Ghent’s sore spot.

Lowie Stuer:
“A win like Saturday’s against Guibertin obviously feels good. And you can see some positive signs emerging. With our limited budget, we knew from the start that this would not be an easy season. When, at the beginning of the competition, we were also hit by injuries to two starting players, things became even tougher. Still, it hasn’t all been bad: we won sets against Haasrode (twice), Aalst and Antwerp, and we also secured a 0–3 win in Waremme.

We have also chosen a different approach. While most teams at the bottom of the table invest their budget in six decent starters, we are trying hard to offer a promising future to several talented youngsters. You’ll notice that our second team is currently in the top three of first national division. Those talents train with us and therefore play at a higher level in the B team. Now it’s about making sure that talent is not wasted.”

But besides those six Belgians, you also field a Ukrainian, an Albanian, a Latvian, a Frenchman and two Dutch players…
“That’s true. Off the court, we actually get along very well. But on the court, the balance is not always what it should be. The first step must therefore be sustainability in the long term. Playing with local players is also more attractive for sponsors. This season, we cannot be relegated and enjoyment of the game comes first, while at the same time we want to offer our supporters something positive. It’s hard to believe that in a city like Ghent, with its central location, more budget cannot be found. There is enough talent in this group. With a few targeted transfers, much more can be achieved with this team. I believe we can present an interesting future project.”

“Talent also present in Ghent’s women’s team”
While there are some positive signs in the men’s results, the situation is far more difficult for Dok Noord, Ghent’s women’s team. With zero wins after ten matchdays and only three sets won, this is a heavy burden for an ambitious coach like Stijn Morand.

“It is indeed the first year of my career in which I cannot compete for trophies with my team,” he admits. “Last season, we even earned a European ticket, which we could not accept for budgetary reasons, resulting in a fine. It was therefore made very clear that this would be a rebuilding year. Moreover, relegation is not possible for the next two seasons. As a result, we opted to rely on young players. Essentially, it is an U19 team, which is performing very well in the Belgian Champions League in its age category.

That there is talent in this group was proven again last week at the WEVZA tournament, where Harriet Jarju was named Best Middle Blocker. But there is, of course, a big difference between youth level and competing in the national league against senior teams. Just look at the excellent results of Antwerp. The women’s team led by Christina Moga has been playing with almost the same core for many years, and that experience clearly pays off. That is what we are missing.

Our ambition? With Dok Noord Gent, we want to gradually start winning more sets and maybe even a match. Our second team – with even younger girls – can still climb higher in National Division 3, as they regularly train with the first team. And hopefully, thanks to our clear future vision, we can gradually count on a larger budget.”

Text: MC
Photos: Lotto Volley League