Brazil coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes revealed the 19 players for season 2016
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 4, 2016 – The 2016 quest of the Brazilian women’s team starts as coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes announced his 19 players in a press conference organised by the national federation.
Among the main highlights of the announcement is the return of setter Fabiola and opposite Tandara, who both missed playing last season because of their pregnancy. Ze Roberto also introduced a new name in the squad – setter Jennifer, who will make her debut with the national team.
Ze Roberto spoke about the situation of Fabiola and the importance of having 19 players.
“We are hoping that Fabiola can train, but that will depend on her condition,” Ze Roberto said. “We hope she can train regularly with us and work the best way possible for her. She is an experienced player and I think she deserves a spot in the team. Leia, the libero, suffered a concussion in the final round of the Superliga and we are likewise evaluating her condition. I believe this list is 90 per cent definite.”
“We know that only 12 players can be in the line-up for the Olympics. This gives us a little limit and we need to study each player’s versatility. We hope we can make a strong selection that can compete against any team in the world.”
The coach analysed the current scenario and the chances of the team this season.
“Brazil has the ability to compete against the best teams in the world,” Ze Roberto said. “I don’t think we are the strongest. The United States is the team to beat, but the Olympics is a unique competition wherein anything can happen. We have to focus and train well.”
Prior to the Olympic Games, Brazil will participate in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand prix. The 10-time winners will play in a tough pool on their home soil, as they play against Italy on June 9, then face Serbia and Japan in the succeeding matches on the first week of the preliminary round. Brazil will then travel to Macau to face China, Serbia and Belgium, then move to Ankara, Turkey to contend with hosts Turkey, Belgium and Italy. The World Grand Prix Final Six will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from July 6 to 10.
Brazilian women’s team 2016/17
Setters:
Dani Lins (Volei Nestle)
Fabiola (no club)
Roberta (Rexona-AdeS)
Naiane (Camponesa/Minas)
Middle Blockers:
Fabiana (Sesi-SP)
Thaisa (Volei Nestle)
Juciely (Rexona-AdeS)
Carol (Rexona-AdeS)
Adenizia (Volei Nestle)
Opposites:
Sheilla (Vakifbank/Turkey)
Tandara (Camponesa/Minas)
Monique (Rexona-AdeS)
Outside Spikers
Natalia (Rexona-AdeS)
Fernanda Garay (Dinamo Moscow/Russia)
Jaqueline (Sesi-SP)
Gabi (Rexona-AdeS)
Mari Paraíba (Camponesa/Minas)
Liberos
Camila Brait (Volei Nestle)
Leia (Camponesa/Minas)