Getting Ready for the Big Derby
Jadran and Primorac have previously met in the final, Photo: Vuk Ilić
Match outcomes are on the horizon as Montenegrin water polo competes for its first trophy of the season. The final tournament of the Cup is set to take place in Nikšić, with tonight’s semi-final matches leading up to a known showdown between Primorac and Jadran Mtel for the cup tomorrow evening at 20:00.
The first semi-final (scheduled for 17:30) features Jadran facing Budućnost, followed by Primorac vs. Qatar two hours later. These matches serve as warm-ups for the second Bokele derby of the season, with the first victory landing in Jadran’s favor in the regional Premier League.
– Realistically, we anticipate a final match between us and Primorac. We’re familiar with them, and I believe it will come down to a single goal deciding the outcome, but I am confident in our ability to defend our title – remarked Vasilije Radović, Jadran’s representative.
However, the Novljani must first contend with Budućnost, which is experiencing its inaugural season at the senior level.
– Our team is quite young, with an average age of just 19. Matches like this are crucial for us to gain the experience needed for future competitions against equally skilled opponents – said Matija Brguljan, the captain of Podgorica.
The Kotor derby is also seen as a formality, yet Primorac remains focused.
– Kataro is on a winning streak, featuring seasoned players who understand water polo, together with promising young talents and a solid goalkeeper. We won’t underestimate them for even a moment, despite expectations of facing Jadran in the final. If that occurs, I believe it will be a thrilling match – stated the seasoned Draško Brguljan.
Dušan Milaš, a player for Qatar, emphasized that his team has achieved six consecutive victories, which is significant for a young squad.
– Continuing this streak will be challenging, but we are not giving up easily. We will compete with all our strength and see how far it takes us – conveyed Milaš.
The defending champions, Jadran, claimed the trophy after triumphing over Primorac 15:10 in last year’s final, marking the club’s 14th Montenegrin Cup victory.
14
The Adriatic water polo players hold 14 Cup titles in independent Montenegro, while Primorac and Budva each boast two.
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