La Presse – Impressive Performance of Hamza Hfaiedh Attracts Italian Interest
Tunisian volleyball star Hamza Hfaiedh, a key player for Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS), has caught the eye of Italian powerhouse Cucine Lube Civitanova, which has signed him after his standout displays in the national championship.
Fan Backlash Over the Transfer
Many ESS supporters opposed the move, hoping the promising youngster would stay until the end of the season and help the club chase one or two titles. Their concerns are understandable; the situation is delicate and calls for thoughtful reflection.
Family and Career Aspirations
- Personal ambition: Hamza and his family saw the transfer as a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream and secure a stable sporting and financial future.
- Coaching dilemma: Head coach Noureddine Hfaiedh (Hamza’s father) found himself torn between his son’s opportunity in Italy and the club’s need to retain its talent amid serious financial difficulties.
In the end, the decision was clear: ESS has always set an example by allowing its best players to pursue promising careers elsewhere, never standing in the way of their development.
Potential Consequences for ESS
The departure could cost ESS dearly, as they lose a “precious card” and may miss out on one or two championships. Nonetheless, the club earned credit for handling the situation with integrity.
Why This Move Matters for Tunisian Volleyball
Tunisian volleyball (and basketball) can only become truly competitive if they embrace the export of top talent to higher‑level leagues. Given the limited strength of domestic competitions, national teams stand to benefit greatly when their future stars gain experience abroad.
Further Reading
National A Volleyball Championship: the ESS‑EST match will be replayed behind closed doors
Source: La Presse, 17 February 2026
