Tijana Mitreva: Unity and fighting spirit as North Macedonia host Estonia in Stip

North Macedonia’s senior women’s basketball team returned from Bucharest after playing the opening game of the November cycle of pre-qualifiers for EuroBasket 2029. Despite losing to Romania, the squad remains upbeat about its prospects and believes the young team can grow quickly.

The team now prepares to face Estonia on Saturday, 14 November, with tip-off scheduled for 18:00 at the Jackson Sports Center in Stip. The match is the second game in the pre-qualifying series for the national side coached by Viktor Petrovski.

Team spirit at the centre of preparations

Tijana Mitreva highlighted the atmosphere inside the camp and the close connection among players — a bond she says is noticeable both off and on the court. “We haven’t felt this kind of chemistry in the national team for a long time. I know that off the court we are very connected, but what makes me happiest is that this connection is even more visible on the court. We trust each other, we support each other, and we fight for one another,” she said.

Mitreva added that, despite the defeat in Romania, she was pleased with the performance. “Despite the defeat in Romania, I can say that I am truly satisfied with what we showed on the court. We showed great desire, character and fighting spirit, and for me that is much more important than the result itself. We are aware that every beginning is hard and that it takes time to build something truly quality. But precisely the energy, character and unity we displayed are proof that this team has a bright future,” she said.

With the next game at home, the players hope to use the support of the stands as an extra boost. The coaching staff and the squad stress that playing in front of the home crowd gives added motivation to deliver their best and try to secure a positive result in the second pre-qualifier match.

Photo: press material from the event