The top Montenegrin volleyball players are gearing up for friendly matches against the Hungarian team in Kolašin. Coach Jovo Caković is hopeful for positive “feedback” after three matches with the finalists of the recently concluded CEV Golden League.

Feedback will provide insights into the team’s condition, the level they are at before the European Championship qualifiers, and the crucial matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Goražde on August 6th and Latvia in Kolašin on August 10th, according to Odbojka.me.

The current level of play is considerably improved compared to May, when the players congregated for their initial preparations for the CEV Gold League.

“It’s not just a higher level; this is an entirely different dimension compared to the Golden League,” Caković states, noting his decision to narrow the roster for the final qualifiers from 20 to 16 players.

Montenegro’s squad is now bolstered by the inclusion of Danijela Džaković along with returning players Melisa Cenović and Simona Petranović.

“Had we played in the Golden League with this line-up, the outcomes would have been different. I am confident that we would have recorded more than just one victory—perhaps two or three. Some matches where we managed to win a set or two would surely have ended in a win. We took a set from Ukraine, who ultimately won the Golden League, and in our second match against Hungary in Podgorica, we were ahead 20:19 at 1:1 in sets. We were competitive with that squad. Nonetheless, it was a debut experience, and you often learn more from defeats than from victories.”

The return of Džaković, Melisa, and Simona has notably enhanced the team’s dynamics compared to early May, but Caković believes that even without them, the girls and the team have made significant progress.

“To put it bluntly—it’s evident that we’ve been making advancements. Now the flow of play looks much smoother, paired with a strong working atmosphere.”

The upcoming matches against Hungary in Kolašin—which includes one open match on July 26th and two closed matches—are essential preparations for the critical qualifiers.

These matches have their specific objectives:

“I consider that Hungary will provide a relevant test for Latvia. They possess a left-handed player who is their main attacker, similar to the Latvian squad. Defensive strategies differ greatly when a left-handed primary attacker is present. I hope Hungary comes equipped with their strongest lineup, as these friendly matches will indeed serve as valuable tests.”

The focus then shifts to the qualification finale. Victories against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Latvia would guarantee Montenegro a spot in the European Championship.

“Interestingly, Latvia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will face off on August 2nd before they play us. We will gain insights from that match, which will be beneficial for our preparations. Bosnia hasn’t been active for a while, but they’ll have friendly matches to analyze. We are aware that Latvia is a solid and disciplined team,” Caković explains.

Ultimately, the priority remains the health of the Montenegro team.

“Maintaining our health is crucial; that’s the foundation of everything,” concludes the Montenegro coach.

His selected roster includes 16 players.

Technicians: Marija Šušić, Viktoria Đukić, Tijana Tvrdišić.

Service recipients: Danijela Džaković, Simona Petranović, Nevena Vukčević, Teodora Čavić, Darja Popović.

Correctors: Nikoleta Perović, Kristina Božović.

Middle blockers: Saška Đurović, Mina Dragović, Katarina Budrak, Lana Rakočević.

Free: Melisa Cenović, Ksenija Krunić.

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