Honore returns to Benfica after German stint

Over the weekend, Honore and his VFB Friedrichshafen unit fell 3-0 victim to eventual League winners, Berlin Recycling Volleys, in the five-game final. However, they still held on to a credible runners-up finish at the end of the preceding German season.

Throughout the competition, Honore was named Most Valuable Player on two occasions, and always played instrumental roles in leading his team to victory on a highly competitive European circuit.

The final though, was Honore’s last match with VFB Friedrichshafen, even though he had previously represented them for three consecutive seasons (2007- 10). From 2003 to 2007, the lanky player competed at the University of St Francis in Pennsylvania (United States) and helped his team to position itself for the first time in its history, into the top 15 teams in the US. This was followed by a year with Londrina Volei in Brazil (2011), before moving to Portuguese giants, Benfica.

Honore then plied his trade for four seasons, helping his team to be crowned three-time Portuguese champions and finalists in the Challenge Cup 2015. He then returned to Germany. But, with a healthy two-year contract with the option of an additional year recently offered by Benfica, Honore weighed his options and chose to return to Portugal.

“Playing in Germany once more was a great experience,” he said yesterday. “I really like this club and the coach. The coach is retiring now though, and a new guy will come in. I’m taking the best options (contracts) now as my playing years are limited. I feel great though physically. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted a multi-year contract. It’s also less moving around and I have a great relationship with Benfica.” The 31-year-old athlete also revealed that he would be returning home next month to wind down his hectic post-season. With the new season in Portugal scheduled to serve off in September, Honore intends to come back to Trinidad to assist in the production of new players locally.

“I really enjoyed this year we had a good connection (Germany) on and off the court as teammates and friends,” he said.

“When I come back to Trinidad, I just want to stay in shape and try to develop the next generation of players. No relaxing really.” In Germany, the over six foot tall player competed in the first division of Bundesliga (volleyball) and the Champions League.

However, the German unit was unable to progress out of the group stage having played in Paris, Moscow and Ankara (Turkey).

He is presently studying trading and investing and has already completed his BA in Business Marketing (2007; USA).