I absorbed every word you shared as a player, and in turn, you offered me a platform to voice my thoughts. You listened to me like few others could. However, back then, it was easy to speak; now I feel compelled to say something different…

Vladimir Gojković opened his address during today’s memorial session honoring the late, great Montenegrin water polo coach Petar Porobić with these deeply heartfelt remarks.

Porobić passed away on Monday at the age of 67. Gojković, now the head coach of Montenegro’s national team, bid farewell on behalf of the golden generation that triumphed in Europe in 2008 during the ceremony held in the Park hall.

“I fondly remember the late summer days of 1997 when you first appeared. I also want to express my gratitude to those who envisioned bringing you back to Montenegro and to Herceg Novi. It wasn’t easy, as you often reminded me, but your belief and determination were unwavering. Little did you know the legacy you were about to create. Less than 11 years later, you wrote the most glorious chapter in Montenegrin sports history, and the momentum you ignited continues to thrive,” Gojković reflected.

He continued with similar sentiments…

“On behalf of all of us, thank you for the countless gifts you gave us. We may only come to understand the depth of what you imparted when we lose someone significant. Thank you, above all, for your trust in us and for instilling in us the belief that we matter. I hope we continue to carry forward your legacy,” Gojković concluded.

The Water Polo and Swimming Association noted that the legendary coach, who led Montenegro to gold in 2008, was honored by athletes, sports officials, colleagues, and friends in front of his family members amid an atmosphere of sorrow, nostalgia, and the deep respect he earned as a coach, water polo enthusiast, and, most importantly, as a person.

Marić: A blend of Kotor nobility and Novi elegance

Đuro Marić, president of VPSCG, expressed gratitude to Porobić for his immeasurable contributions to Montenegrin water polo and sports at large.

“The passing of Peter Porobić is something I cannot and refuse to accept. Though I understand that Pero’s heart ceased beating high above during his final flight, his joyful smile remains etched in my memory. He had a knack for smiling broadly, nodding in agreement and saying, ‘this is good’ when things went smoothly in both sports and life, convinced that any issue could be tackled. I hardly recall him raising his voice, except, perhaps, during blatant refereeing injustices or when urging the boys in the pool. Pero embodied the Kotor nobility paired with a Novi elegance, never allowing anger or malice to cloud his spirit,” said Đuro Marić.

He remarked that Porobić was not only a remarkable coach but also reached global echelons in water polo with a well-crafted strategy.

“Let that be the case, but it’s clear to me that Pero approached everything in life with heart and passion, coupled with immense dedication, which transcends mere strategy. Strategy is about calculation and numbers; heart and soul are what’s truly given to those you cherish, and they recognize and reciprocate that love. Pero devoted himself thoroughly to Primorac and the Adriatic, to the national teams, and he did so selflessly,” Marić shared as he paid tribute to the man “with a youthful smile whose name will shine eternally in the water polo universe.”

Boro Mračević, vice-president of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, reminisced about his decades-long collaboration with Petar Porobić, particularly with PVK Jadran, and how he observed his evolution into a top-tier coach.

“He dedicated endless hours in the pool, meticulously planned every training session, analyzed each aspect of each game—both his team and the opponents—amassing countless hours of footage to expedite the growth of young players. He molded great talents, becoming a grandmaster in this regard—Gojković, Jokić, Zloković, Šćepanović, Vukčević—emerged under his guidance. Victories and titles followed in the FRY, SCG, and Montenegro, leading to the rise of new stars—Ivović, Radović, Prlainović, etc.,” Mračević recalled, noting that Porobić was the selector of the Serbian and Montenegrin national teams that triumphed in 2005 and played a crucial part in the emergence of the Montenegrin water polo team, which quickly evolved from a newcomer to a European champion under Pero’s stewardship.

Kovačević: When Primorac returns to the pinnacle of Europe, it will be thanks to Porobić

Siniša Kovačević, president of VK Primorac, reminisced about Petar Porobić’s playing days and his early coaching career in Kotor, as well as the successes he brought to the region.

“After years of generously sharing his knowledge globally, he aspired to once again make his mark on Bokele water polo and assist Primorac in reclaiming its rightful place. Our shared desire was for him to return to his home club, where his journey began both as a player and a coach. He wanted to close his illustrious career in Kotor, nurturing Primorac back to its origins. Sadly, our hopes for Porobić to return didn’t materialize, but the outstanding methodology he implemented sowed the seeds of a remarkable water polo legacy—one of expertise, determination, and resilience. That legacy will persist, and one day, when Primorac finds itself atop Europe once more, it will be due to the contributions of Petar Porobić. His legacy will allow us to proudly tell future generations that he was one of us—one of Primorčev,” Kovačević emphasized.

An Inspiration for Water Polo Players in China

The VPSCG reported receiving numerous condolence messages from around the globe for Petar Porobić. The President of the VPSCG Assembly, Mirza Krcić, shared a telegram from China, where Pero had worked in recent years, achieving remarkable success with both male and female teams.

“Mr. Porobić’s passion for the Chinese people, his altruistic nature, serious approach to training, and unyielding fighting spirit will continue to motivate Chinese water polo players,” the telegram affirmed, among other sentiments.

On behalf of the Porobić family, Petar’s son Igor expressed gratitude to everyone.

“He was the best part of our family—father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather… Dad, we thank you for everything,” Igor Porobić said tearfully.

Petar Porobić will be laid to rest tomorrow (Friday) in Herceg Novi.

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