He established the Montenegrin water polo national team and transformed it into a formidable force following the restoration of independence, despite concerns that many players might migrate to neighboring countries. He set the foundation that led the “sharks” to an enduring success that will be remembered forever.

In short – it was Petar Porobić, the iconic water polo coach who passed away at 67. There could be countless discussions and writings about him, as his career warrants that…

Porobić made significant contributions to our water polo, starting during the Adriatic era when Novlja nearly clinched the European champion title (falling to Honved in the final), but he crafted the most remarkable story for the national team.

The triumph in Malaga is a cherished memory, as the European title for the Montenegrin national team during its debut in major competitions was a surprise at that time. The entire water polo community recognized that Porobić was orchestrating something extraordinary, with the support of pool legends like Veljko Uskoković, Vladimir Gojković, Nikola and Mlađan Janović, Boris Zloković, Predrag Jokić…

The European Championship in sultry Andalusia in July 2008 is forever linked with Pero Porobić. And rightly so, for he brought Montenegro, a young nation, its first-ever gold medal in history, the only one achieved by water polo players from major tournaments to date.

Before this historic success with our team, Porobić was recognized as one of the top experts globally. Just three years before making history with Montenegro, he became a world champion with the Serbia and Montenegro team in Montreal—less than a year prior to the referendum, after which he opted to stay in his homeland and embark on a new undertaking. A venture that was ambitious yet deeply emotional.

The unfortunate conclusion of Porobić’s tenure at the “sharks” bench in the summer of 2011 detracts nothing from his monumental contributions to Montenegrin water polo, both at the club and national levels. Had he not been in the Adriatic, one can only speculate about the careers of Gojković, Zloković, and Jokić, despite the expectation that they were destined for success.

– This is a tremendous loss for Montenegrin water polo and sports as a whole. This is a man whom many from Herceg Novi felt particularly close to, someone who profoundly influenced my career and accomplishments in water polo. He should have returned and continued his work with Primorac. I believe he could have contributed even more to a sport that he dedicated his life to – stated Vladimir Gojković, head coach of the Montenegrin national team.

Porobić’s accolades are numerous.

– Everyone knows what he achieved. He played a crucial role in establishing the Water Polo Association post-independence and led it admirably. Then there was that historic moment in Malaga, undoubtedly the pinnacle of our water polo journey – Gojković added, having worked alongside Porobić throughout most of his playing career in both the Adriatic and the national team.

Wherever he worked, including the past decade in Russia, Germany, and China, Porobić was always drawn back to Montenegrin water polo. His absence was palpable, and this summer, he decided to return as the coach of Primorje. He intended to conclude his illustrious career in his homeland while enjoying time with his family.

The return to the club where he began his playing and coaching career was delayed until October due to his commitments in China for the Asian Cup, and he was expected to arrive in the ancient city shortly. Tragically, Pera’s heart failed on the journey from China to Montenegro…

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