RK Alkaloid train in Mavrovo — captain Igor Gjorgjiev: "We must learn from the past"

RK Alkaloid has moved its preseason work to Mavrovo as it prepares for a busy campaign at home and abroad. The squad comes to the mountains after an initial training block in Skopje, with the club adding three new, experienced players to strengthen its roster.

Squad building and objectives

Club captain Igor Gjorgjiev will once again lead the team as Alkaloid looks to improve on last season’s results. Beyond domestic fixtures, the club is scheduled to take part in the EHF European Cup and the newly formed Regional League, increasing the number of competitive assignments for the coming months.

Gjorgjiev described the mood inside the group as upbeat and focused on hard work. "I feel individually excellent, the team is in a positive energy. We are working hard. We trained for two weeks in Skopje, now we are in Mavrovo. We'll try to use this period as best as possible to get in sync. We have three new players, experienced with many matches under their belt and they will surely be an added value for the team. Last season for us was difficult from several aspects, but that's the past, with clear heads and positive energy, we go into the next challenges. We must learn from the past, we are working hard for the challenges that lie ahead. The Macedonian league from year to year is more serious, there are quality teams, everyone brings players, especially the teams from the 'big four'. An interesting season awaits us. We have a good team, we will play on four fronts, we will strive for results in all matches until the very end," said Gjorgjiev.

Coaches are using the Mavrovo camp to build match fitness and to integrate the newcomers into offensive and defensive patterns. Sources inside the club say the emphasis is on set plays, transitions and physical conditioning ahead of the season opener.

With the domestic league becoming more competitive each year, Alkaloid’s staff view early preparation and squad depth as essential. The team’s programme in Mavrovo is the final phase before the first official fixtures, and supporters will be watching to see whether the new arrivals accelerate the club’s progress.

Photo: РК Алкалоид