We made too many errors - Jean Patrice Mboulet

The tough battle against Cameroon was seen by Poland’s coach Stephane Antiga as a signal of tough matches ahead in the competition but gave credit to the African team that played their best volleyball so far in the world championship.

Cameroon captain, Jean Patrice Ndaki Mboulet: “First of all, I would like to thank God that I could play with Poland in Poland. It was like a dream for me. In the first set we did what we should have done in the previous matches. In the next sets we got back to the nightmares as we made many errors. However, it was a good meeting for us. Of course congratulations for Poland. So far, I will remember this championship from the moment when I saw white and red crowd. That was an amazing view.”

Question – There was a rumor that your coach promised you a beer if you won the set. Is that why you played so good or it was because of the opponent?

“Maybe both but we came here to play a good match just like we tried in the previous meetings. We played aggressively. We want to reach the level that Poland, Serbia or Brazil show but we do not have as many matches as those teams.”

Cameroon head coach, Peter Nonnenbroich: “We lost again but today we played and that is the biggest difference. I said to my team that now it is a party for us so they were enjoying the atmosphere. That is why we started to play well because we felt no pressure. We did not qualify two days ago, not today. When you play against the Poland and you win a set it is a fantastic feeling. I hope that tomorrow the crowd will help us to play in front of Serbia.”

Question – He and his team are laughing from this meeting but don’t they feel a little bit sorry after that loss?

“I told my team that they should not think about the score and just enjoy the game. It was possible that we could win the second set too because the result was leveled. Unfortunately we are not that experienced. Last time we played on such level four years ago on championship in Italy. Of course we have African Championship every two years but it is not the same. I know that my team have potential but we need to gain experience to win with such teams like Poland. If FIVB will let us to attend in the World League, then I promise, that we will play better.”

Poland head coach, Stephane Antiga: “Congratulations to Cameroon head coach. It was a fantastic meeting for them, definitely the best one on this championship. They had nothing to lose. We did not start well and it could be a really dramatic match for us but finally we scored three points. We tried to be concentrated. We wanted to win in straight sets but we did not manage to do that. I think it was a great warning for us. We should expect a really difficult match tomorrow so we have to stay focused.”

Poland captain, Michal Winiarski: “I think that Cameroon deserved congratulations. They played very well and their block really surprised us. Days like these also occur. Of course we did not under estimate our opponents. It is not that we played really bad volleyball today but Cameroonians were in a very good shape. Today’s results in the other pools were also unexpected. It is very good for us that everyone had an opportunity to play. We scored three points which is vital and we are in a good shape before the next matches.”