Son of a legend, Dani Tanev has the privilege of learning from the best.

The 2.05-meter tall hopeful contributes to Bulgaria's victories at the U17 World Championship, under the watchful eye of his famous mother, Toni Zetova." These are the highlights of the extensive article on the FIVB websitevolleyballworld.com.

The FIVB U17 Boys' Volleyball World Championship did not start well for the host team, as Bulgaria lost its first match to Spain. But then head coach Teodor Bogdanov and his staff made some changes to their starting lineup, and the team got on the winning track, finishing the pool stage with victories over Chinese Taipei and Mexico.

One of those important changes was Daniel Tanev. The young outside hitter did not play in the first match against Spain, but he made the most of the opportunity to be among the starters in the next two matches and played a key role in the team's success.

"I think my contribution was quite positive, but it was mainly a result of improved teamwork. We all participated in these two victories, not just me. Of course, we must also thank the coaching staff," the 16-year-old athlete told FIVB.

What perhaps served as extra motivation for Tanev on the court was the support he received from his family in the stands, and most of all, the inspiration he got from his mother, one of the greatest legends of Bulgarian volleyball, Antonina Zetova. For some children, following in the footsteps of such an eminent and accomplished parent can prove to be a heavy responsibility, but not for Daniel. He finds it motivating even when he has to perform right in front of his mother in the audience.

"It doesn't bother me at all," he said. "Quite the opposite, it has a positive effect on me, because that way I'm always set for the best possible performance to show my abilities in the best possible way."

Zetova won many accolades in her impressive career as a player, including a number of national championships and cups in Bulgaria, Italy and Turkey, as well as four continental club trophies in Europe, most importantly the CEV Champions League crown in 2006 with the Italian Colussi Sirio Perugia. She was named MVP of the CEV European Championship 2001 after leading the Bulgarian team to bronze medals.

Zetova has already distinguished herself in her career as a volleyball coach as well. In 2017, she led Bulgaria to bronze at the FIVB U23 Women's Volleyball World Championship, and just last month she led her team to the crown of the CEV U18 European Championship 2024, Bulgaria's first continental title in an age group in women's volleyball.

Daniel accepts the fact that he is the son of a true volleyball legend quite reasonably.

"I think this is a great plus because I can get useful advice on my game and I can always ask a person who has played at a very high level for her experience," said the 2.05 m tall volleyball player.

The situation seems a bit more difficult from the mother's point of view.

"If we compare what is most difficult – being a player, being a coach, or being a mother of a child competing on the court – perhaps the latter is the most difficult because you are watching from the outside, you are worried, and at the same time you want to help in many ways, but you just have to hope he plays well," Zetova told FIVB.

"I think he played very well yesterday (against Chinese Taipei). Today (against Mexico), I think the whole team was a little exhausted from yesterday's victory, which was very emotionally charged, and I know that can be draining," she added. "Every team came here to make the most of this opportunity. These are young kids without a lot of experience, but that's exactly what this World Championship is for – an opportunity to play more matches and gain international experience, which is a great thing!"

Initially, Daniel started training basketball following in his father's footsteps, but then switched to his mother's sport. His 11-year-old sister Elitsa also plays volleyball.

"Naturally, my mother enrolled me in CSKA Sofia, but I liked it a lot and have been playing volleyball ever since. What I didn't like about basketball is that, unlike volleyball, it is a contact sport. So I like volleyball much more," Dani said.

Interestingly, while Toni Zetova's career as a player and coach is closely linked to Bulgarian powerhouse CSKA, her son is now a player for the country's other sports stronghold, Levski Sofia. For many decades, Levski and CSKA have been household names in Bulgarian sports, and their fierce rivalry in many sports disciplines has become proverbial in the country's social life. However, the family maintains a completely professional attitude, and no jokes or quarrels about club affiliations happen at home.

"It's simple. Levski has the best conditions and the best coaches, and that made me move there," Dani explained the situation.
"These club divisions should not separate us," his mother philosophically remarked. "We are one volleyball nation, one volleyball society with all the clubs that participate, and we should respect each other, despite the fact that we might be opponents on the court."

Dani Tanev's mother, father, and sister support him from the stands of Levski Sofia Hall, where Bulgaria's U17 World Championship matches were held, which makes him feel even more at home here.

"I think the crowd's support helps us a lot. The fact that we play in a home hall has a positive impact overall," he said.

On Tuesday, the host team has an important Round of 16 match against Argentina, a match that will decide whether the team will continue in the upper or lower half of the playoff bracket.

"We have tough matches ahead. We need to stick together and play very well. If we do that, we have very good chances to continue winning," commented the talented Bulgarian prospect.

What is the most important lesson he has learned from his mother?

"Just to give my all on the court and always play my best."

photos: Nikolay Varadinov