The time has come for senior water polo in the capital. Podgorica has already hosted national teams and organized major competitions for younger categories, and now it’s ready to take a significant leap forward.

The Water Polo and Swimming Club Budućnost is preparing to step onto the biggest stage during the 2024/25 season, aiming to compete not only in the domestic championship and Cup but also in the regional A1 league. Their intention is clear: they seek more than a fleeting presence, as evidenced by the notable reinforcements joining the club, which was established in 2018.

Among the new faces at Budućnost are recent center Goran Grgurević from the South, defender Matija Brguljan with international experience, and well-known figures from our local water polo scene, including Neđo Baštrica, David Stevović, Marko Bošković, Vladan Vukićević, and Mlađan Janović.

“Recognizing the significance of the club for the development of swimming and water polo, the Capital City took over the founding and management rights. From day one, we have committed to serious work. We’ve put together a senior team, and I am hopeful for significant results. One challenge we’ve faced is the absence of our own swimming school,” stated club president Rajko Ćupić.

The head coach is Aleksandar Aleksić.

“I joined from Budva four years ago and I take immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together with these players. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re at a turning point now where our club is poised to embark on an even more upward trajectory with the formation of this first team. I am particularly grateful to the Capital City for stepping in at a time when we lacked support,” Aleksić remarked.

The incoming reinforcements are promising.

“We’ve brought in a number of strong players, seasoned in senior water polo, who will form the backbone of the team alongside our local talent. The goal is to integrate as many of our local boys as possible into the senior team, aiming for a rotation of 12 to 15 players each game. This is the vision shared by myself, president Ćupić, and sports director Bojan Šuković – to ensure our young players from Podgorica don’t have to go elsewhere for growth,” Aleksić added.

What can Budućnost expect in the regional water polo second tier?

“A strategy has been outlined to compete in the Regional A1 League over the next few years to allow these youngsters to gain experience, learn, and ultimately vie for a spot in the Premier League in two years. Following that, we aim to enter the European arena – potentially aiming for the Champions League,” Aleksić clarified.

Matija Brguljan’s journey has taken him from Primorac to stints in Italy, Greece, Germany, and France…

“This is a privilege, but also a significant responsibility. I am fully prepared to give my all this season, paving the way for future successes. I believe in the bright future of Budućnost,” Brguljan expressed.

Petar Brnović, one of the promising young talents representing Podgorica, shared his excitement.

“Seeing the creation of a senior team in Podgorica has been a dream come true, allowing us to gain experience without the need to relocate to other cities,” Brnović concluded.

Budućnost’s roster for the 2024/25 season includes: Mihailo Ivanović, Jakša Milanović, Nemanja Baćović (goalkeepers), Matija Brguljan, Goran Grgurević, Neđo Baštrica, David Stevović, Marko Bošković, Vladan Vukićević, Mlađan Janović, Igor Uskoković, Petar Brnović, Veljko Ražnatović, Vuk Burić, Sava Stamatović, Jovan Radulović, Marko Šuković, Uroš Vučinić, Danilo Savović, Dario Domazetović, Vučina Popović, Andrija Aleksić, Andrej Golubović, Andrej Durutović, Vuk Lazarević, Uroš Milić.

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