Volleyball
Giba and IBB Polonia LONDON - Champions of England
Archive
Article Tue, Apr 16 2019
London, England, April 16, 2019. The final English Volleyball Super League match of the season concluded in a very successful manner on Sunday. IBB Polonia LONDON, despite the knowledge of a guaranteed first place position, fought hard against SHEFFIELD Hallam and, just like two years ago, beat their rivals and stamped their authority on the match winning 3-1 (25-15, 24-26, 25-18, 25-23) and adding the final three points to the league table.
The players coached by Simon Loftus raised the bar of British volleyball significantly in the 2018/2019 season. The team simply had no equals. There was no opponent able to beat the team from the capital of England meaning there was a big zero in the ‘L’ column in the Super League table against their name! Over the sixteen games, only three points were lost out of a maximum, which gave a thirteen-point advantage over second-placed Durham Palatinates. All of these facts culminated in yet another championship for the London team.
The final game concluded with a medal ceremony. In addition, a very familiar face of World Volleyball was present to take part in the fun. Giba expanded his medal haul (to accompany a large number of Olympic, World Championship and MVP trophies and medals) with the Volleyball England Super League 2019 medal.
“I am overjoyed, that after seven years, I have returned and played in London; the very same place where I ended my career with the National Team,” he said. “I felt that surge of adrenalin once again. The game provided so many emotions. It was a beautiful thing, to be able to come here, join IBB Polonia, and to hang some more gold around my neck! I am pleased that I could be a part of this event and that my name attracted fans to the arena. The club is doing its best in promoting the sport and is showing Britain our beautiful game, and I am very optimistic that Volleyball will develop even more in London and the whole of Britain,” added the legendary Brazilian outside hitter.
“The match was not easy, and I am sure the venue added to the pressure. The seats were packed with over one thousand fans; the TV was there broadcasting worldwide, but we rose to the occasion and coped with the situation. The most important thing is that we won and finished the campaign undefeated. Every win is unique, but this season’s tastes even sweeter having someone like Giba in our team,” commented team captain Bartosz Kisielewicz.
“I returned to coaching a club after a break of six years, and I can say it was a hard year. We worked very well together and understood the common goals and ambitions; the fun we had together produced the results and the title,” said head coach Simon Loftus.
There were many elements to the event and to the match: the main attraction was the Brazilian star who was warmly greeted by his friends in the team as well as by the masses of fans on an afternoon at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
“Giba was outstanding for us during the match. He was so positive and enthusiastic. He is a true professional and he gave our players lots of advice. His presence, undoubtedly, helped to promote the event and drew the fans from everywhere. The show was spectacular! We are honoured that such a person was on our team. I hope that in the future, IBB Polonia will attract similar players,” concluded Loftus.
“Giba gave us advice and calmness. He spoke during training about tactics and technique. We notice only positives since he joined us. The event was amazing and professional. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, who made this possible: sponsors, management, fans and players,” added Kisielewicz.
The atmosphere in the arena and on the court was electric. The supporters rose to the occasion; there were over one thousand tickets sold. The fans had a great time and supported the whole team as well as each individual.
Despite the conclusion of the Super League, the players do not have time to rest. After the Easter break, there is the small matter of the National Cup to regain. On Saturday, 27 April 2019, Simon Loftus’ players will fight for the final title of the season. Until now, IBB Polonia has won everything they have contested including the NEVZA Club Championships, the Super League title. Now they must focus on the final prize of the season and take back the Cup.
“The season is a historic one for us, and winning the national Cup will be the cherry on the cake. The game may just be the hardest one of the season, as everyone will put us as favourites. The opposition will be training hard and we can expect a tough fight against them,” added Kisielewicz.
The players coached by Simon Loftus raised the bar of British volleyball significantly in the 2018/2019 season. The team simply had no equals. There was no opponent able to beat the team from the capital of England meaning there was a big zero in the ‘L’ column in the Super League table against their name! Over the sixteen games, only three points were lost out of a maximum, which gave a thirteen-point advantage over second-placed Durham Palatinates. All of these facts culminated in yet another championship for the London team.
The final game concluded with a medal ceremony. In addition, a very familiar face of World Volleyball was present to take part in the fun. Giba expanded his medal haul (to accompany a large number of Olympic, World Championship and MVP trophies and medals) with the Volleyball England Super League 2019 medal.
“I am overjoyed, that after seven years, I have returned and played in London; the very same place where I ended my career with the National Team,” he said. “I felt that surge of adrenalin once again. The game provided so many emotions. It was a beautiful thing, to be able to come here, join IBB Polonia, and to hang some more gold around my neck! I am pleased that I could be a part of this event and that my name attracted fans to the arena. The club is doing its best in promoting the sport and is showing Britain our beautiful game, and I am very optimistic that Volleyball will develop even more in London and the whole of Britain,” added the legendary Brazilian outside hitter.
“The match was not easy, and I am sure the venue added to the pressure. The seats were packed with over one thousand fans; the TV was there broadcasting worldwide, but we rose to the occasion and coped with the situation. The most important thing is that we won and finished the campaign undefeated. Every win is unique, but this season’s tastes even sweeter having someone like Giba in our team,” commented team captain Bartosz Kisielewicz.
“I returned to coaching a club after a break of six years, and I can say it was a hard year. We worked very well together and understood the common goals and ambitions; the fun we had together produced the results and the title,” said head coach Simon Loftus.
There were many elements to the event and to the match: the main attraction was the Brazilian star who was warmly greeted by his friends in the team as well as by the masses of fans on an afternoon at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
“Giba was outstanding for us during the match. He was so positive and enthusiastic. He is a true professional and he gave our players lots of advice. His presence, undoubtedly, helped to promote the event and drew the fans from everywhere. The show was spectacular! We are honoured that such a person was on our team. I hope that in the future, IBB Polonia will attract similar players,” concluded Loftus.
“Giba gave us advice and calmness. He spoke during training about tactics and technique. We notice only positives since he joined us. The event was amazing and professional. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, who made this possible: sponsors, management, fans and players,” added Kisielewicz.
The atmosphere in the arena and on the court was electric. The supporters rose to the occasion; there were over one thousand tickets sold. The fans had a great time and supported the whole team as well as each individual.
Despite the conclusion of the Super League, the players do not have time to rest. After the Easter break, there is the small matter of the National Cup to regain. On Saturday, 27 April 2019, Simon Loftus’ players will fight for the final title of the season. Until now, IBB Polonia has won everything they have contested including the NEVZA Club Championships, the Super League title. Now they must focus on the final prize of the season and take back the Cup.
“The season is a historic one for us, and winning the national Cup will be the cherry on the cake. The game may just be the hardest one of the season, as everyone will put us as favourites. The opposition will be training hard and we can expect a tough fight against them,” added Kisielewicz.