Rabotnicki win Supercup in Tetovo; Despotovski: Defending the title is the goal

Rabotnicki began the new season by lifting the Supercup in Tetovo and arrive at the domestic championship with renewed ambitions under coach Dusko Despotovski.

“In the new season we enter with clear ambitions – to defend the championship title and to be in the fight for trophies. Rabotnicki has an obligation to always aim for the top, but we are aware that every success must be earned again on the court, with work, discipline and continuity in play. This season we have significant changes in the roster. Four players from last year’s championship team are no longer with us, and we filled their places with two experienced domestic reinforcements and with young, promising players. Ahead of us is the task of building the necessary cohesion in the team and getting the best out of each of them. I believe that the blend of experience and youth can bring us quality, and it is especially important to me that the young players get space to progress and to take responsibility,” says Despotovski.

Squad changes and the road ahead

The coach underlined that the team’s composition has shifted significantly since last season: four members of the title-winning squad have left, replaced by two seasoned domestic signings and a group of younger prospects. The immediate challenge for the staff is to create on-court chemistry and to integrate new arrivals quickly.

“Parallel to the start of the domestic championship, we are also preparing for the appearance in the CEV Challenge Cup, where a two-legged tie with Greek ZAON Kifisia awaits us. The European outing is an additional challenge and motivation for our team. We want to be ready for this duel, to show our quality and to represent the club and Macedonian volleyball with dignity. Winning the Supercup is a nice start and an extra motivator for all of us. Still, the season is long and will require constant proving. We respect all opponents and will approach every match with maximum seriousness. We wrote the first page successfully, and now with each next match we must work so the end of the story will be even more beautiful,” Despotovski added.

Beyond trophies, the club has expressed a clear intention to give younger players meaningful minutes and responsibility, seeing youth development as an integral part of sustaining top-level performance.

Rabotnicki will balance domestic obligations with its CEV Challenge Cup tie against ZAON Kifisia; the coaching staff say preparation and discipline will be key if the club is to defend its championship and remain in contention for further silverware.

Photo: press material from the event