Brazil captain Giba will not play the Men's South American Championship, but is still helping his team from the sidelines. “It is always complicated to see the game from outside,” Giba said.
The 34 year-old, who is sitting out this year’s tournament due to an inflamed shin, has participated at, and won, every edition since then, winning eight gold medals in total, a staggering record for any sport.
“However we know that the most important competition of the year is the FIVB World Cup, in November. Because of that we decided that it would be better if I stay out of the South American Championship. I will be here supporting the team but I will not be able to play. I am working hard to be back in the court at 100 per cent over the next few weeks.”
Brazil coach Bernardo “Bernardinho” Rezende added that Giba’s presence has been really important for the group. “Giba came to the South American Championship to work hard and to keep in activity,” he explained.
Despite his experience and eagerness to get back onto the court, Giba is enjoying contributing to the team in a different way. “This time, the way I see the South American Championship is slightly different,” he added. “The first time, I remember I had a great anxiety to be side by side to my idols at the time, and now, with a well known name in the sport, it is natural to have a different perspective.”
source: FIVB
