Viktor Petrovski named head coach of North Macedonia women's national team
Young, trophy‑winning coach takes charge as the federation starts a planned generational renewal ahead of November qualifiers.
The Basketball Federation of North Macedonia has officially named Viktor Petrovski as head coach of the senior women's national team, the federation announced on October 29, 2026. The appointment marks the start of a deliberate push to renew the national roster and strengthen ties between youth selections and the senior side.
Petrovski, born in 2001, arrives with a résumé of rapid progress and trophies at both youth and senior levels. He won a bronze medal as coach of the under‑14 selection in 2019 and led the under‑18 team to a gold medal in 2021. In 2022 he took his first senior head‑coach role and in his debut season was named best coach of the regular part of the national championship after a run of nine consecutive victories.
In the following seasons Petrovski kept delivering results: semifinal appearances in 2023 and 2024, a finals berth in 2025, and — as the culmination of that work — the 2026 national championship and the Super Cup. During the 2025/2026 season he also received the "Coach of the Week" honour in the regional WABA League. The federation underlined that he is the youngest head coach in the country to win a senior national title and the Super Cup.
h2>Generational change and immediate tests
The decision to appoint Petrovski follows the resignation of Aleksandar Ashadanov, who stepped down from the head coach position for personal reasons after five years leading the team since 2021. The federation publicly thanked Ashadanov for his dedication, work and contribution to the development and continuity of the national programme.
At the same time the team faces a clear roster turnover: five players have announced the end of their international careers — Andjelika Mitrasinovic, Aleksandra Stojanovska, Merit Hempe, Ivana Kmetovska and Ilina Selcova. The federation expressed deep gratitude for their service and wished them health and success in the next stages of their lives and careers.
Petrovski’s established cooperation with the under‑18 generation was cited as a key reason for his selection: several players from that age group are expected to be integrated into the senior squad. The federation says this continuity, and knowledge of the young players’ qualities and potential, gives Petrovski an advantage in overseeing the transition.
The first competitive assignment for Petrovski and the rejuvenated roster comes in the November qualifying window: North Macedonia will travel to Bucharest to face Romania, then host Estonia at home. The federation admits the younger squad will lack senior international experience, but frames the fixtures as a necessary test and an investment in long‑term growth.
“TO REACH ANYWHERE, YOU HAVE TO START FROM SOMEWHERE!” the federation statement reads. Officials stressed the move is not a renunciation of ambition but a long‑term plan to build a competitive, recognisable national team over the next five years and beyond, with support expected from clubs, the federation and the wider sporting public.
Photo: press material from the event
