Bulgarian setter Simeon (Moni) Nikolov is already conducting full-fledged training sessions with his Russian club Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, after arriving in Siberia late last week. The volleyball player, who this summer was part of the Bulgarian national team and won silver medals at the World Championship in Manila, shared his first impressions both of the new environment and of working with the "Volare" ball, which will be used in the Russian league.

'I feel good. I rested well and I am again motivated to play and win,' Nikolov shared during his first media appearance after arriving.
'The flight to Novosibirsk was perfect — it went quickly, I even managed to get a lot of sleep. It will take a little time to get used to the time and climate, but I'm sure I won't have any problems.'

Change in ball feel

Until now, Nikolov played with 'Molten' in the USA and with 'Mikasa' during his appearances with the national team. Now, however, he faces adapting to 'Volare' – a ball used in the Russian Super League.

'I knew the ball was different. I had never seen or touched it before. But in the end, it's a normal volleyball – there's nothing unusual about it. I'll need a few training sessions to get used to it, and everything will be fine.'

Bulgarian colors and a new home in Siberia

An interesting detail is that the color combination of the 'Volare' ball – red, green, and white – is reminiscent of the Bulgarian tricolor.

'Yes, they are beautiful. The ball is very nice. And the hall is impressive — comfortable and modern, it will be a pleasure to play here. I can't wait to step onto the court in front of the fans. See you soon, Lokomotiv family!'

Simeon Nikolov is one of the most promising Bulgarian setters. After a successful season in the USA, where he became champion with Long Beach, and a summer with the national team, capped by a second place at the 2025 World Championship, he begins a new chapter in his career under the guidance of Plamen Konstantinov and Andrey Zhekov in Novosibirsk.

Nikolov's debut for Lokomotiv Novosibirsk is expected to be as early as the first round of the new season in the Russian Super League.