KS Norwid Częstochowa launched their roster rebuild for the 2026/27 PlusLiga season with the signings of Bosnian setter Zeljko Coric and Argentine opposite Pablo Kukartsev.
The Polish club, which recently confirmed their place in PlusLiga for another season, is making significant changes to squad after a difficult campaign that saw several departures both on and off the court.
Coric, an experienced setter from Bosnia and Herzegovina, arrives in Częstochowa after spending the past six years with French powerhouse Tours Volley-Ball.
“PlusLiga is one of the strongest and most exciting leagues in Europe. Joining Norwid gives me an opportunity to continue improving and test myself at the highest level,” Coric said after completing the transfer.
The Bosnian setter is expected to bring valuable experience to a team undergoing major reconstruction. Norwid has already confirmed that Tomasz Kowalski, Daniel Popiela, Jakub Kiedos and Jakub Nowak will remain with the club for the upcoming season.
At the same time, Norwid strengthened attack by signing Argentine opposote Pablo Kukartsev. The 33-year-old opposite joins from Italian side Cucine Lube Civitanova. During his career, he has played in Argentina, Belgium, Spain, France and Russia.
“PlusLiga has always seemed like a very competitive and demanding league. When the chance came to join Norwid and play in Poland, the decision was easy,” Kukartsev said.
He also stressed the importance of team chemistry and unity.
“It doesn’t matter how talented individual players are. Without teamwork and trust during difficult moments, success is impossible,” he added.
The arrivals of Coric and Kukartsev come during a period of significant transition for the club. Norwid parted ways with eight players following the end of last season, including Luciano De Cecco, Milad Ebadipour and Patrik Indra.
Several members of the coaching staff also left the team, including head coach Ljubomir Travica, assistant coach Juan Mendez, strength coach Paweł Gaszyński and physiotherapist Agata Szlacheta.
