Last October, he took on the role of coach for the Montenegrin women’s volleyball team, and about two weeks ago, he donned his tracksuit and embarked on his mission.

Jovo Caković, who dedicated over a decade to the successful Serbian club Jedinstvo from Stara Pazova, aims to enhance the level of women’s volleyball in Montenegro.

After approximately ten days of collaboration with both the senior team and the younger development squad, his first impressions are exceedingly positive.

“I appreciate the genetic potential exhibited by the players in the Montenegrin national teams. While there’s a need for refinement in details and technique, that requires time. Women’s volleyball in Montenegro warrants investment moving forward, focusing on the minutiae to foster progress,” Caković remarked on the Federation’s website.

The Montenegrin volleyball players are set to debut in the Golden League next week, marking their first appearance in a competition of this caliber. They aim for their historic qualification for the European Championship in August, replicating the success of the youngest, the pioneers, who achieved this last month.

“Women’s volleyball is beginning to receive the acknowledgment it deserves,” Caković asserts.

“For too long, women’s club volleyball has remained overshadowed by the men’s teams in Montenegro, particularly with the prominence of Buducnost and Budvanska Riviera. Women’s volleyball has been somewhat in the background, often eclipsed by other women’s sports like handball and basketball. However, progress is being made, and I believe we will continue to evolve over time.”

Caković credits his move to Montenegro to the enthusiasm of the Volleyball Federation’s leadership.

With a talented player pool and promising achievements from the youth teams, all the elements for effective development are present.

“The Federation’s leadership embraces innovation, is open to new ideas, and is willing to invest in the discipline. To achieve excellence, you learn from the best and strive to advance. I have faith in Montenegrin volleyball, which has already seen success through the pioneering national team’s qualification for the European Championship. I hope this is just the beginning of a series of triumphs for our women’s teams,” Caković expresses.

The upcoming Golden League presents an elite opportunity—will it serve as preparation for the final qualifiers or a chance for Montenegro to excel?

“Ideally, we would achieve both. Our primary goal is to thoroughly assess all our players and their capabilities as we prepare for the European Championship. It’s crucial to identify who will be integral to the national team in the future. Notably, the final four of the Golden League will feature Sweden as the host, along with three of the eleven competing teams, including ours. We will face six matches, and our objective is to position ourselves among the top three. The competition is fierce, but I believe this will elevate our game. Whether that will be enough to secure a top-three finish remains uncertain; while I won’t make extravagant promises, I am confident we will continue to grow,” he says.

Despite the lengthy preparations after demanding club seasons and two summer competitions in the national jersey, Caković insists that motivation should not be questioned.

“Wearing your country’s jersey is an immense honor. As someone from the vicinity—originally from Prijepolje—leading the Montenegrin national team is a privilege for me. Therefore, I believe even a challenging season shouldn’t impact one’s effort. It’s a joy to represent your nation, embodying prestige and honor. Moreover, when athletes achieve favorable results, they can inspire young girls pursuing volleyball, particularly within Montenegro.”

Forging a successful career in volleyball is no easy feat, as young women from Montenegro often venture abroad early in their careers.

“To reach the pinnacle of European volleyball, genetic potential is essential, given the sport’s reliance on physical attributes such as height and explosive strength. Positions that require jumping, like attacking, and even the complex libero role are highly competitive worldwide. Achieving the best career necessitates innate talent; many an athlete must possess the right genetics. Montenegro has considerable genetic potential, and I believe with enhanced technical skills and collaborative effort, we can witness substantial progress. Investing in club volleyball is critical for the national team’s advancement,” Caković emphasizes.

Thus, the pioneers’ qualification for the European Championships holds great significance.

“This moment confirms that continuous effort can lead to breakthroughs. While Montenegro has participated in Balkan Championships for younger categories, now we step onto the European Championship stage. However, we must not stop at this accomplishment; we should aim for an impressive showing. Competing against top teams will encourage our growth. Conversely, playing against weaker opponents hinders our maximum performance. I see the pioneers’ presence at the European Championship as a collective challenge. They will gain valuable experience. If we face defeats, let’s view them as learning opportunities rather than failures; we must evolve into diligent students and improve in the future,” he concludes.

Some members of the pioneering national team qualified for the European Championship are currently training at the “Voco” complex with the elite group as part of their development.

“The potential is immense, and several of them are likely to join the strongest selection soon. They are at a critical developmental age, not just for volleyball, but in general for their growth, facing challenges as they transition into adulthood. Nevertheless, they are on a promising path; this is a dedicated selection, and the Volleyball Federation is invested. They have a significant opportunity at the European Championship, and we will continue to monitor them as I believe most will pursue successful European careers,” he remarks.

It’s a pivotal time for volleyball—especially women’s volleyball.

“Patience is essential; we must progress step by step. Let’s take the stairs one step at a time,” Jovo Caković concludes.

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