Dimitrijević: Badel 1862 aims to fight for the title
Coach Darko Dimitrijević says the team retained its core, added Sandra Lazarevska and will push to be in the title race in the new Sparkasse Life season.
The new season of the Sparkasse Life First League (women) opened today, and Badel 1862 enter the campaign with high expectations under coach Darko Dimitrijević.
Dimitrijević: target is to fight for the title
Before Badel’s away fixture at ProBasket (14:30) — and as Gevgelija host Patriot (14:00) — Dimitrijević set out his reading of what lies ahead.
"I expect a tough and balanced season, because last year showed that anyone can beat anyone. Our biggest challenge will be to use the experience from last season, to be more consistent and with a maximum approach to remain at the top.
Badel must always have the highest ambitions. The goal is to fight for the title. We kept the spine of last season and additionally strengthened with Sandra Lazarevska. Whether we will reach the title will be shown on the court. but we will do everything to make that one more step."
Dimitrijević added that continuity in the squad is a positive factor and warned that replacing Iva Cholakovska will be difficult, but he sees Lazarevska as a useful addition to minutes and leadership: "I am satisfied that we have continuity and that the players already know the system. The departure of Iva Cholakovska is hard to replace. But with Sandra we gained experience and greater rotation. We will rely on team play, chemistry, trust and maximum dedication."
The coach’s remarks frame Badel 1862’s approach as the league resumes: keep the momentum from last season, broaden the rotation and push for a title challenge. Today's fixtures will be an early measure of where each team stands.
Photo: press material from the event
