The 11th of May 2024 marked a significant shift in Montenegrin club water polo as the throne was claimed anew. For the past nine seasons, Jadran reigned supreme, with Primorac managing to show competitiveness only occasionally (notably in December 2022 with a Cup victory). However, the moment arrived for the champion’s cup to transition from Herceg Novi to Kotor.

After a 16-year wait, Primorac emerged as champions in a spectacular fashion—defeating their rivals from Boka in a final series that unfolded over three games.

The triumph was achieved with dominant performances, culminating in a remarkable display from team Vjekoslav Pasković, who confidently converted all nine penalty shots in two matches.

Primorac showcased a blend of maturity and experience through stalwarts like Drasko Brguljan, Nemanja Vic, Nikola Marković, Marko Gopčević, and Aleksandro Kralj, while younger talents added vibrancy to the final series. Notably, Marko Mršić led the front row, partnered with the standout revelation of the finals, Srđan Janović.

The 18-year-old Janović netted six goals across three games, scoring four in the second match and two in the third after remaining scoreless in the first. His talent isn’t surprising; he had previously showcased his skills with Primorje and in various youth national selections, now stepping up to contribute significantly.

“We brought the trophy back to Kotor, which is paramount for us Kotorans. Primorac symbolizes our city, and we take immense pride in its history. I feel privileged to be a part of this team and did my utmost to contribute,” Janović stated in an interview with “Vijesti”.

The season concluded perfectly for Primorac, culminating in a return to the regional Premier League alongside their trophy win, highlighting Janović’s potential as a cornerstone for the future.

“I strive to train hard and give my best, knowing this is the path to success. Since Coach Vjekoslav Pasković’s arrival, I’ve received valuable opportunities, and I’m grateful for the trust he’s placed in me. However, this is merely the beginning; I must continue to push myself, especially with the crucial upcoming competition for the youth national team,” Janović emphasized.

Despite not having home pool advantage during the finals, Primorac triumphed with two victories at Škver. Their journey to the cup was certainly challenging…

“Our growth as a team has been remarkable, and we felt a title was within our grasp. The strength of our unity played a significant role, and our greatest asset was our ability to work cohesively. Many pivotal moments arose during the three matches, but I believe our first game victory at Škver was the turning point. That’s when we realized victory was in our control,” Janović explained.

With a celebrated water polo legacy, Nikola and Mlađan Janović have left an indelible mark on Primorac, but only Srđan from this legendary family can proudly state he is a Montenegrin champion with the Kotor club.

It’s astonishing to think that Srđan was just a year and a half old when Primorac last claimed the title.

“I never envisioned things would unfold this way. I’m proud to be a part of the team that broke the dry spell and returned the title to Primorac. I believe this marks the beginning of a new era of consistent success for the club. This trophy is vital for our confidence, and I eagerly await the next season. I think this team can make an impact on the European stage as well,” remarked Janović.

It’s clear why I chose to play water polo

Nikola and Mlađan Janović are giants in Montenegrin sports and water polo, and while Srđan has inherited their talent, he understands the challenges ahead in forging his own career.

“It’s hard to articulate what I’ve inherited from them, but I’ve grown up absorbing their successes, techniques, and the passion surrounding national team events. It’s evident that my desire to play water polo sprang from them, as I sought to follow in their footsteps while watching the national team’s matches,” said Srđan.

Ultimately, he asserts that his choice to pursue water polo was his own.

“My father never pressured me with tales of his water polo journey; instead, he’d offer advice. Those insights have helped, and growing up with my older brother Mlađan, who also plays water polo, has been beneficial. I remain grounded, understanding the need to persist in training and learning. I believe Primorac is the perfect environment for me, along with the guidance of Coach Pasković and experienced players like Brguljan, Vic, and Marković,” concluded Janović.

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