Setter Konstantin Nechev is the newest addition to the squad of Dunav (Ruse) for the 2025/26 season in the men's Super League. The news was confirmed to BTA by Krasimir Mironov, a member of the Management Board and assistant coach of the club.
Return after six years
The 25-year-old volleyball player, 195 cm tall, returns to the club from the Danube city, where he has already played for two consecutive seasons –2017/2018and2018/2019.
In recent years, Nechev played for a number of domestic teams, gaining extensive experience in the setter position:
| Season | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2016/2017 – 2017/2018 | Marek Union-Ivkoni | Setter |
| 2017/2018 – 2018/2019 | Dunav (Ruse) | Setter |
| 2019/2020 | Slavia (Sofia) | Setter |
| 2020/2021 – 2021/2022 | Pirin (Razlog) | Setter |
| 2022/2023 – 2023/2024 | Beroe 2016 (Stara Zagora) | Setter |
| 2024/2025 | Deya Volley (Burgas) | Setter |
It is evident that Nechev's career has been entirely within the Bulgarian Super League, where he has gradually accumulated experience and maturity in various club environments. His return to Dunav could provide the team with stability in the key position.
Friendlies before the start
The Ruse team has already concluded their pre-season preparation with a total ofeight friendly matches, in which they achievedtwo wins and six losses:
| Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Știința Politehnica (Romania) | Ruse | 3:2 |
| CSM (Bucharest) | Ruse | 3:2 |
| Beroe (Stara Zagora) | Stara Zagora | 0:3, 1:3 |
| Știința Politehnica | Bucharest | 1:3 |
| Dinamo (Bucharest) | Bucharest | 0:4 |
| Cherno More BASK | Varna / Ruse | 0:3, 0:3 |
Although the results may not seem impressive, the two successes against elite Romanian teams show potential. However, the losses against Bulgarian opponents indicate a need for greater stability in defense and better interaction among the new players.
Start of the season
Dunav will begin its participation in the new championship on October 24, when it will visit Pirin (Razlog) – a club where Nechev also left his mark.
The return of the experienced setter is a clear sign that the management of the Ruse team is looking not only for results but also for continuity in building the squad.
