Belgian receiver Sam Deroo told the press service of his native federation about his decision to change his team in Russia. After three seasons in Kazan's Zenit (2022–2025), he signed with Lokomotiv Novosibirsk. For Bulgarian fans, the most curious thing is that Deroo is increasingly "surrounded" by a Bulgarian environment - and he himself admits with a smile that he might have to start learning the language.
Bulgarian connection at all levels
In Novosibirsk, Sam Deroo will be under the guidance of a Bulgarian coaching staff, which includes Plamen Konstantinov, Andrey Zhekov and Milen Bogdanov. There will also be a native connection on the court - the young talented setter Simeon Nikolov is also in the squad. And in his personal life - Deroo's girlfriend is also Bulgarian, the former national Dobriana Rabadzhieva.
"Bulgarian coaches, Bulgarian setter, my other half - Bulgarian... It's high time I signed up for language courses!", the Belgian jokes in an interview for the press service of his homeland's federation.
Reasons for parting with Zenit
After four titles in Russia (with the teams of Dynamo Moscow and Zenit Kazan), Deroo explained that leaving Kazan was a logical move:
the club wants to bet on young Russian receivers;
Maxim Mikhailov is at the end of his career;
the star American setter Micah Christenson moved to Verona;
and due to the limited quotas for foreigners, Kazan preferred to give a chance to the Serbian Aleksandar Lyuburic on the diagonal.
New goals in Siberia
"Kazan, Saint Petersburg, Dynamo - these are top clubs, but Fakel, Belogorie, Dynamo-LO and Lokomotiv are also capable of beating anyone. Last season, Lokomotiv won the Russian Cup and finished sixth. I am arriving to fight for a medal - nothing less will satisfy me in my sixth year in Russia," the Belgian is adamant.
