The basketball team of Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes Switzerland in a match that can open the door to the second round of World Cup qualifiers. President of the Board of Directors of the Basketball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Aid Berbić, selector Dario Gjergja and national team member Ajdin Penava spoke at the press conference ahead of this important duel. The messages were clear – the conditions are guaranteed, the atmosphere is good, but there will be no room for error on the floor.
The President of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Aid Berbić, emphasized the pride that Tuzla and the Alliance have the opportunity to host the national team before, as he pointed out, the “key match” against Switzerland and then visiting the same country.
– We made sure that the national team, the coaching staff and everyone around the team had the maximum conditions for preparations. We want the players to have everything they need and I think that after many years we have made an additional step forward – said Berbić.
He particularly emphasized the move, which, according to him, is a symbol of the change of course in the work of the Alliance. On the initiative of coach Gjergja, young players were also gathered during the preparations – potential candidates for future generations.
– It was often said that the Association does not take enough care of young people. This time we gathered players up to the age of 20, allowing them to train in parallel with the senior national team. There were several dismissals due to injuries and previously undertaken commitments, but we took a step forward. It is an investment in the future – emphasized the first man of the Board of Directors of the KS BiH.
At the end, he made an appeal to the audience in Meydan:
– We need a fair and correct atmosphere. Tuzla always knew how to cheer on the national team. Now is the moment to be the wind at the back of our boys.
Coach Dario Gjergja did not hide the seriousness of the moment. The qualification group is demanding, and there is no room for mistakes.
– Both Turkey and Serbia are at 2-0. This means that we have no right to make a mistake. Everyone plays, everyone progresses, no one is an outsider anymore. We have to be at the top level in both games, both offensively and defensively – said Gjergja.
He also emphasized the aggravating circumstance of short preparations. Most of the national team players have a hard time behind them, including cup competitions in the countries where they play.
– We tried to relax them a little, but also to repeat the things we have already done and add some new segments of the game. When you have four or five days, the mental segment is crucial. The atmosphere has to be top-notch, we all have to be on the same wavelength. This is not a club where you are together every day – here you have to create chemistry in a short period of time – explained the selector.
National team member Ajdin Penava spoke from the perspective of the dressing room – emotionally, but decisively.
– When we come to the national team, it’s a special feeling. We have always had a nice atmosphere and that is something that adorns us. We are all excited to represent our country – said Penava.
He emphasized that the key will be energy and compliance with the agreed game plan.
– We had a few days to get ready. Now it is important to bring energy, focus and follow through on the game plan we made. The atmosphere in Mejdan will certainly be excellent and I believe that it will help us achieve our goals – said BH. basketball player.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
