Nikola Matlieski: "Multi Esens is the right place for youth development"

The 35th season of the men's handball Super League opens a new chapter, and RK Multi Esens returns to the top tier for 2026/27 with a clear focus on developing young players alongside competitive results.

Nikola Matlieski takes charge

Nikola Matlieski has been appointed head coach of RK Multi Esens. He joins a coaching team that includes Nikola Markoski, who has moved from playing into coaching, and Zlatko Daskaloski, who will now concentrate exclusively on coaching duties. The appointment comes as the club prepares to introduce a generation of youth players to Super League challenges.

Matlieski—who has long experience across club and national youth programs in North Macedonia—says the club’s mission goes beyond match results. "RK Multi Esens is a developmental team made up of talented Macedonian handball players who for the most part have gone through youth systems or are an integral part of youth national teams. RK Multi Esens represents the bridge through which players will move from one category to another, up to the most important transition from youth to senior players," he said.

He stressed the fragility of those transitions: "All these phases are very sensitive, because most often in these changes we lose players. RK Multi Esens will be a place where they feel safe, grow and prepare for the big challenges, take responsibility and then continue their careers as final products. We will work and help on all fronts, because the goal is not only to produce a player, but a complete person."

On the sporting side, Matlieski outlined a twofold strategy: short-term, to instill a winning mentality and secure Super League survival; long-term, to prepare players technically, physically and tactically so they can compete for places in RK Alkaloid and national selections. He underlined the benefits of facing stronger, often older opponents as essential for player growth.

About style and preparation, Matlieski said: "Not only will we not abandon the fast-play style, but I will strive to improve it and bring in my own ideas. Primarily I want to improve the individual characteristics of the players: quick thinking and quick action. To develop their ability to cope in different situations, make fast decisions and consider multiple solutions in a given moment. For every opponent we prepare in a mini training cycle, we analyze, and look for solutions." He added that the club has strong backing from a company that provides excellent working conditions.

Matlieski praised his new assistants: "We cooperate excellently with Nikola Markoski and Zlatko Daskaloski. Both have accumulated great handball experience, were part of the big stage and know how the game works. They are young coaches and eager to transfer knowledge and correct the young players. It is my pleasure to work with them, they are a great help and contribution and I believe that together we can do very good things for the team and Macedonian handball."

Photo: press material from the event