Jovana Petrusevska returns to North Macedonia ahead of Estonia match in Shtip
Veteran wing rejoins coach Viktor Petrovski’s squad and the team meets Estonia in Shtip at 18:00 in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers
Jovana Petrusevska has returned to the North Macedonia women's senior national basketball team after several years away, rejoining the squad under new head coach Viktor Petrovski. The veteran wing made a notable appearance in North Macedonia's away game in Bucharest against Romania during the EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers.
Veteran leadership for a young roster
Petrusevska said her comeback is both an honor and a motivation to give her all for her country. She described the Bucharest match as an important step for a young team that may lack experience but shows strong desire and fighting spirit.
“After a pause of several years, the return to the national team is for me a special pleasure, an honor and a motivation to give my maximum for Macedonia. The game in Bucharest was an important experience and a chapter for our younger team, which perhaps does not have great experience, but has enormous will, fighting spirit and motivation to progress. I believe that with each next match we will grow as a team and gain additional self-confidence,” Petrusevska said.
The national team faces its second Group C challenge this evening at the Jackson Sports Center in Shtip, with tip-off scheduled for 18:00. North Macedonia will host Estonia, a side Petrusevska warned deserves respect but which the home team will meet fully prepared.
“The match against Estonia, which we play at home in Shtip, we are expecting with great motivation. Playing in front of the home crowd is always a special feeling and I believe the support from the stands will be an additional tailwind for us. We face a serious opponent, a team that deserves respect, but we will enter the match maximally prepared, with the desire to compete and give our best. The most important thing is to continue to believe in this team, to fight for each other and to show that Macedonia has potential and a beautiful future,” she added.
The game between North Macedonia and Estonia starts at 18:00 at the Jackson Sports Center in Shtip and will be broadcast live on MRT 3.
Photo: KFSM
