Alterna Stade Poitevin found its new setter. Following Anatol Chaboissan's severe injury in July, the Poitiers club had been long searching for a replacement. The solution came in mid-September 2025, when the signing of 33-year-old Macedonian international Gjorgi Gjorgiev – a well-known name to Bulgarian fans – was officially announced.

A career marked by titles and international experience

Gjorgiev is 1.97 m tall and boasts a rich biography. Having started his career in his hometown Strumica, he played in a number of championships – Turkey, Poland, and France, where he has already played for Paris Volley and Cambrai. With the 'Blues from Paris,' he won the League B title in 2019.

However, his brightest period was in the Balkans. In Bulgaria, he became champion four times – three times with Marek Union-Ivkoni (2013, 2014, 2015), and later with Hebar Pazardzhik (2022). His reputation as a stable and charismatic setter was solidified in the North Macedonian national team, where he is a key figure alongside his brother – central blocker Nikola Gjorgiev. Next year, we will see them at the European Championship, which Bulgaria will also co-host.

Gjorgiev's new club – Alterna Stade Poitevin – is well-known in Europe. It was there that the stellar career of Earvin Ngapeth, today one of the biggest names in French volleyball, began. Now Gjorgiev will have the chance to lead the team with his experience and compensate for Chaboissan's loss.

He has already joined the training and played his first match as early as September 16 in a friendly against Saint-Nazaire, where Vladimir Garkov will play this season.

The signing of Gjorgi Gjorgiev is a serious move for Alterna Stade Poitevin – a club that has always been a cradle of talent. The connection with the name of Earvin Ngapeth brings additional symbolism, and the Macedonian setter's experience promises stability and class. Bulgarian fans will certainly follow his performances closely, as Gjorgiev has already proven his ability to win trophies on our soil.