Before the derby against Trim, Gorenje from Velenje presented their goals and expectations for the new season. Despite the challenges and personnel upheavals, they are motivated and optimistic in the wasp’s nest in the first months of the season.
Janez Gams canceled his resignation and continues to remain the president of the Velenje Gorenje handball team, while Roman Pungartnik became the new sports director of the club from Šaleška dolina.
“I was convinced by Romanov’s great motivation for work. We have a similar opinion regarding the current state of the club and the possible development of the club. With all of his experience both from his acting career, which is truly impressive, and from his managerial experience, I have no doubt that he will perform excellently in his new role,” emphasized Gams.
Before the start of the season, changes also took place at the headquarters of the Handball Association of Slovenia. Miha Pantelić took over the position of leader of the league competitions. The new director of Gorenja Pungartnik sees an opportunity to improve the state of Slovenian handball in this as well.
“Despite the fact that the situation in Slovenia is not rosy and handball is currently not as relevant as other sports, I see a bright spot in the fact that changes are also taking place at the Handball Association of Slovenia. I believe that the situation can improve together with the new manager of the competition, Pantelic, and the league will be more attractive. With an attractive league, even the players will be eager to stay at home,” said Pungartnik.
Grmšek, Hebar, Tajnik and Kovačič left the teamBefore the season, Timotej Grmšek and Martin Hebar said goodbye to the club. During the preparations, the team’s motor Domen Tajnik and David Kovačič, who suddenly ended his career, left the team. Goti Maričić arrived in the hornet’s nest less than a week before the official start of the season and strengthened the team at the left wing position. They were without Matic Verdinek due to injury.
Turbulent preparatory period“A very turbulent preparatory period is behind us, but despite this, I think that we have done a good job in this month and a half and we are entering the season motivated. The advantage of the teams that we played with in the preparatory period and that will measure strength in the Champions League this year, it’s teams like Kiel, Pick Szeged and Magdeburg, is primarily experience and physical strength. Technically and running, we were able to oppose them on an equal footing throughout the matches,” said head coach Zoran Jovičić.
“Departures and arrivals are an integral part of handball, but we do not care that two important members have left us. We found a replacement by rotating players within the team and with the arrival of Goti, so there are no major changes for us. Goals, wishes and expectations remain the same as before the start of preparations,” thought captain Emir Taletović.
Last weekend, Velenjčani celebrated against Škofljica in the opening round of the league, Sunday’s opponent Velenjčani was also looking forward to the victory in the first match of the national championship. The Trima team brought the current national, cup and super cup champions of Slovenia from Celje to their knees in the Zlatorog hall.
An interesting European autumn also awaits the people of Velenj, in the second quality European League they will compete against the Spanish Cuenca, the Swedish Sävehof and the Swiss Winterthur.
Source: Rtvslo
