First interview for the latest arrival at Lube. Fresh from the third week of VNL without advancing to the final stages with Iran, spiker Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh introduced himself to the red and white fans by chatting with the club’s press office. At the moment – when there is no central player in the roster available to coach Medei – the hammer is the youngest of all in the new “green” Civitanova. In fact, Poriya will turn 20 on July 1st, while Boninfante reached this age on Monday. He will also be the second Iranian athlete in the history of Lube after the opposite Ghafour purchased 5 years ago and only remained for one season. Poriya speaks Farsi, but is studying English to break down the language barrier.
How popular is volleyball in Iran?
“In my country there is a huge passion for volleyball, many people follow the Super League, the national team matches and the most important tournaments. There has always been a certain interest, but the movement is growing rapidly”.
How did you get into volleyball?
“I was a child when I took my first steps at the net. I am living testimony that young Iranians have loved volleyball for years. For me, Lube represents the beginning of my career on the world stage.”
What is his best shot?
“I am particularly comfortable in the finalization phase, but obviously I will take advantage of every opportunity to improve in all aspects.”
Are there any champions among the players in Lube’s history who fascinated you?
“An athlete who has always managed to exalt me is certainly Ngapeth. As for Lube, it is not easy to select among the many champions in red and white history, but I must say that Juantorena and Lucarelli are two models for me.”
Lube is now focusing a lot on young stars, what do you think of this change?
“This change of perspective offers important opportunities to athletes with talent and ambition.”
Is there only volleyball in your life?
“You got me right away… my life is dictated by training and matches. There’s little room for anything else, I wasn’t even a nerd at school. I want to reach great goals and to do that, in addition to talent, you need dedication. I’m still a boy and in my little spare moments I satisfy my curiosity by reading up on everything, watching films and reading in English, which I barely speak for now… it’s really time to improve myself”.
Andrea Scoppa
