A former national setter will strengthen CSKA for the new season, our media learned. Experienced volleyball player Konstantin Mitev will be the second setter in Aleksandar Popov's squad, as the "Reds" have decided to give the role of the first setter to their 17-year-old talent Nikola Velikov.
Mitev has serious experience in Bulgarian volleyball, and during his career, he has also worn the jersey of the Bulgarian national team. His recruitment provides CSKA with an experienced alternative in a key position and at the same time allows the club to rely on one of its most promising youth players. At the "Reds", Mitev will reunite with his former teammate Neven Neshev, who coaches CSKA's youth teams, and with whom he was a beach volleyball pair.

Nikola Velikov remains at CSKA and will be the team's first setter in the new season, the head coach of the "Reds" Aleksandar Popov confirmed to our media.
The 17-year-old Velikov was the captain of the Bulgarian national team U18, which won bronze medals at the European Championship in 2026.

There was interest in the young setter from Verona, but the option of moving to Italy fell through, and he will continue his development at CSKA.
Thus, Aleksandar Popov will have an interesting combination in the setter position – the 17-year-old Velikov will be the first choice, and the much more experienced Konstantin Mitev will be the second setter.
With the recruitment of Mitev and the retention of Velikov, the "Reds" are practically forming their setter duo for the new season, relying simultaneously on the experience of the former national player and the development of one of their most talented youth players.