Azerbaijan national volleyball team player Marharyta Stepanenko has had quite a busy career. Having played over the years in the championships of Poland, Turkiye, Russia, Hungary, and Israel, the attacker has now returned to Baku and will spend the new season with UNEC. She spoke to Idman.biz about her new motivation, expectations for the European Championship, and the bright moments of recent years.
You had a championship-winning season with Israel’s Maccabi Ashdod, but could not join the national team in the Golden European League due to a leg injury. So, the first question is about your health, are you still recovering or are you fully fit now?
Yes, I played the season in Israel but twisted my ankle in the last final match. As a result, I had a ligament tear, returned to Baku, and it took one and a half months to recover. Honestly, at first, I didn’t know how to react to such an injury, as it was the first of my career. But now everything is back to normal, I feel good. I’m working out in the gym and preparing for the season.
How did the off-season in Baku go? Were you able to recharge and rest?
I can say that I spent this period very well. I had a lot of free time for myself, my family, and to take care of various matters. So, I spent this time usefully. I’m in Baku now and continue getting into shape.
The qualification for the European Championship has just ended, and Azerbaijan is one of the co-hosts. What are your expectations for the upcoming European Championship? I suppose there is some excitement?
Right now, I have more expectations and excitement related to the new season. So, I could answer that question a bit later when direct preparation for the European Championship begins. But of course, expectations from a home tournament are high – to regain my former playing form, to show quality volleyball, and to make the fans happy. The continental championship matches in Baku are a big responsibility, and to achieve results, you have to give it your all. Back in 2017, the European Championship in Baku was a grand show with great organization, and the team took fourth place. I think next year will definitely be no worse.
It’s no secret that the national team is not currently among the elite of European volleyball. However, the home-court factor always plays a big role in home tournaments. In your opinion, how far can you go in the tournament bracket?
First, we need to wait for the draw and see who we’ll be playing in the group. If we have good preparation and the coaching staff has the best players at their disposal, we can perform successfully. And of course, the home crowd should help us.
What are your brightest memories from the previous season?
Definitely winning the Israeli Championship with Maccabi Ashdod. In the final, we played against Hapoel Kfar Saba, to whom we had lost painfully in the decisive match of the national cup 2-3. So, we went into the final with the echoes of that cup defeat and the desire to win the championship. The final series, which ended 3-0, was very memorable.
Have you already decided where you will continue your career?
Yes, I returned to Azerbaijan. I will play in Baku for UNEC. I received an offer from the club and am glad to join them. I felt a professional approach, agreed, and am happy to be with UNEC.
You have played in the championships of Greece, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Azerbaijan. Which stage of your career do you remember the most?
Of course, the Greek championship, when we won both the national league and the cup in one season with Panathinaikos. The club had not won two trophies in 13 years, and the fan support was incredible. I have never seen fans who care so passionately for a team. I also remember the Russian league during my time with Minchanka. The team had never reached the Final Six before, but that season we managed to take fifth place. This result went down in both the history of Minchanka and my own career.
What goals do you set for yourself, and what would you like to achieve in the new season?
I signed a contract with the young UNEC team, but they have very ambitious goals. I really want to achieve them together with the team and also show good, quality play. After all, I returned to Azerbaijani volleyball and to my country after eight years, so I want to achieve good results.
Zaki Feyzullayev
Idman.biz
