Volleyball in Montenegro is currently facing challenges in competition quality, trailing even behind some average European teams, and the regional league presents a chance to elevate its standard, according to expert Igor Kolaković.

In a discussion with the MINA agency, he expressed that the concept of a regional league is promising, noting that the First Montenegrin Volleyball League is too limited for growth.

“To maintain the essence of competition, it’s crucial for Montenegrin clubs to face significantly stronger rivals that facilitate advancement. Although the quality of our clubs might not be satisfactory at this moment, the league will undoubtedly inspire coaches, players, and management to invest more effort and resources into enhancing team quality to match their counterparts,” stated Kolaković.

He also emphasized that national volleyball’s current status has benefited mainly from players competing abroad.

“However, this trend won’t last long unless clubs start taking the sport seriously and commit to quality improvements. We particularly lack adequate training conditions, perhaps a bit more expertise, and certainly better support for smaller clubs in their localities,” Kolaković elaborated.

On Nikola Kažić’s recent election as the president of the Volleyball Association, Kolaković highlighted Kažić’s quality and ambition displayed as a youthful player for Budućnost, expressing optimism in his capability to lead Montenegrin volleyball towards a better future.

“It’s unfortunate he didn’t achieve the same success in the senior competition as he did with juniors. There were external challenges to overcome, but now, as president, he demonstrates even greater ambition. He is well-versed in how a successful system, like Budućnost Podgorička banka, operates, and he’s applying that knowledge to the federation,” Kolaković remarked.

Kolaković pointed out that Kažić, General Secretary Ivan Bošković, and their team have taken an aggressive approach, implementing numerous ideas that were once considered distant possibilities.

“A prime example is the establishment of the regional league and the participation of Montenegrin clubs in this competition,” Kolaković added.

The renowned Montenegrin coach argued that Ivica Jevtić and Jovo Caković would be excellent choices for selectors of Montenegro’s senior national teams.

“Both Jevtić and Caković achieved remarkable results with their teams in Serbia as young coaches. They have experience as part of the professional staff for Serbia’s senior national teams, having worked alongside top players and coaches during this time,” Kolaković noted.

He believes that their professional experience, despite their youth, is commendable, and there is potential for them to further develop in their roles with the Montenegrin national teams.

“Their journey will be challenging, with numerous tests in their work and competitions. The women’s national team is in a better position for European Championship qualification, which would greatly benefit women’s volleyball. This would mark a significant debut on an international platform. The men’s team faces significant qualifying challenges, but they are young, and perhaps in the long run, greater results can be expected from them,” Kolaković mentioned.

When asked about his potential involvement in Montenegrin volleyball, he expressed a desire to contribute but acknowledged that circumstances often lead him elsewhere.

“I often think how beneficial it would be to work and live in my city, thereby helping volleyball in Montenegro. Unfortunately, the current conditions for living and working in volleyball here are not ideal. Hopefully, one day, this wish may become a reality,” stated Kolaković, who began his career playing and coaching at Budućnost.

He revealed his aspiration to be the initial coach of Montenegro but noted that the Volleyball Association opted for someone else at that time.

“At the moment, I felt regret, but their choice guided me onto a better path, contributing to my career development. The then-president of the Volleyball Federation of Serbia, Aleksandar Boričić, offered me the coaching position, and without hesitation, I accepted. In my first eight-year term, I led Serbia to eight medals at major competitions,” Kolaković shared.

He noted that the objectives were fulfilled during his second term with Serbia, leading to their qualification for the Olympic Games after 12 years.

“It was a challenging three seasons, laden with injuries and surgeries of players who were battling issues from their clubs. We hardly had the team structure we desired each season. Ultimately, we reached the Olympic Games, but we narrowly missed advancing to the quarterfinals by just one set. Reflecting on the experience, I can say I’m satisfied with my time with the Serbian national team,” he concluded.

As a reward for his hard work, besides the already mentioned qualification to Paris, he drew attention to the promotion of younger players who previously weren’t as prominent or made their debut for the national team under his stewardship.

“This is a glimmer of hope for volleyball’s future in Serbia, though achieving a medal at a major competition will be very challenging soon. I hope to be proven wrong,” he expressed.

Kolaković indicated that he still yearns for an Olympic medal to complete his career portfolio so far.

“I’ve never set lofty goals for myself. My approach has always been to take it one game at a time. Initially, the end goal seemed distant, but as victories accrued, my objectives became clearer. While I can cite many unfulfilled dreams, missing an Olympic medal stands out. That would undoubtedly provide a fitting conclusion to my journey,” Kolaković remarked.

Discussing his current club, he stated that Halkbanka is among the most well-organized volleyball institutions in Europe.

He emphasized that it is a significant honor and privilege to be involved with this club and noted its operations resemble those of the top football clubs in Europe.

“Maintaining the club’s competitive level and results is crucial for Halkbanka, the principal sponsor. Hence, working here is demanding due to the high expectations always placed upon us,” Kolaković said.

He acknowledged that this season they differ from last in terms of team composition, yet are currently experiencing great success.

“We stand second in the league and also in our Champions League group. The most challenging phase of our journey awaits in the latter half, at which point the achievements of this season will be assessed,” Kolaković added.

He expressed joy in having played in front of packed stands at the Morača hall as a player and later leading his team to victory in the same location as a coach.

Kolaković reminisced about the electric atmosphere during the finals against Budva Riviera, noting the enthusiasm generated by both teams’ supporters.

“It was an unparalleled spectacle brought to life by the Varvars and Pirates supporters. If I were to dream again of similar times returning, there might be a chance. However, beyond imagination, substantial efforts are necessary to elevate volleyball. It is vital that all stakeholders, both responsible and otherwise, unite with my enthusiasm and strive in that direction,” Kolaković concluded.

Kolaković began and concluded his playing career at Budućnost, also competing for Partizan Belgrade, where he secured two championship titles and the Yugoslav Cup.

As a coach, he clinched three championships (2002, 2005, 2006) and a Cup in the former union with the Budućnosti team (2000), along with two titles (2007, 2008) and three Cups (2007, 2008, 2009) in independent Montenegro.

With the Slovenian ACH Volley, he earned the double crown in Slovenia and a trophy in the Central European League.

Throughout his extensive coaching career, Kolaković has managed ACH Volley, Khan, and Zaverće, and served as the coach for Serbia and Iran.

During his first tenure with the Serbian national team, Kolaković earned eight medals.

He was the European champion at the European Championships held in Austria and the Czech Republic in 2011, secured bronze at the World Championships in Italy in 2010, and claimed bronze at the European Championships in Russia in 2007 and Denmark in 2013, in addition to two silvers (2008, 2009) and a bronze (2010) in the World League. He also led the under-23 team to become world vice-champions.

While coaching the Iranian team, he won bronze at the World Cup, gold at the Asian Games, a similar medal at the Asian Championship, and achieved fifth place in the League of Nations while managing to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

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