Today, the semi-final matches of the final tournament for the Cup of Montenegro in handball will take place at “Bemax Arena” in Podgorica.

The first match features Rudar against Budva Riviera at 16:30, followed by a clash between Lovcen and Budućnost at 19:00. Budva Riviera will be aiming to defend their title.

“I am confident that the tournament will be played fairly. We have defeated them twice already, but we cannot be complacent; the Cup is unique and unpredictable. We respect our opponents, who are young and full of potential. Nevertheless, I believe our experience will help us defend the cup. If we face Lovcen in the final, it will come down to the finer details,” stated the director of Budvan, Srđan Ćulafić, during the press conference.

Budva are the favorites against Rudar, who are eager to avenge last year’s defeat in the final.

“Last year we faced them in the final, and now we meet again in the semifinals. They are the favorites, but we are not backing down. We want to make up for last year’s loss. They are a quality and experienced team, well-coached. We are determined to prove ourselves and will give our all,” remarked Igor Mašković, the director of Rudar.

The second semi-final will see Lovćen squared off against Budućnost, with Cetinje aiming for a double crown.

“There’s always pressure in a big club. Our goal is to secure a double crown, even though Budva is considered the favorite. We anticipate a tough match against Budućnost, who are a mix of youth and experience, but we are prepared. We’ve played in Podgorica before, so it’s not unfamiliar territory for us. Our national team players, who faced Italy, have received some tough lessons, but they are professionals and this won’t affect their performance,” explained Lovcen coach Filip Popović.

Budućnost boasts the youngest squad in the finals.

“This is an opportunity to showcase what Montenegrin club handball can offer. We are the youngest team here, which gives the other squads an advantage. It’s vital for us to compete with them. We have our ambitions and, despite our youth, we will strive to challenge Lovćen as best we can. We have our own strengths,” emphasized Budućnost coach Draško Mrvaljević.

Milorad Vujošević, the league director, assured that the organization will meet high standards.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure everything operates at a top level. We want this event to reflect European standards, from the playing surface to the LED advertising. Additionally, security will be prioritized to prevent any disturbances, which have been seen on our courts recently. May handball prevail,” Vujošević stated.

The final is set for tomorrow at 18:15. Prior to that, Budućnost Bemax and Rudar will face off in the handball final at 16:00.

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