06.03.2014, 12:50
Time for Buducnost to finish the job against Györ

NEWS REPORT: Excitement is building and expectations are high as the Montenegrin champions are on the verge of qualification for the Women's EHF FINAL4

Time for Buducnost to finish the job against Györ

With an impressive win in Norway against Larvik (22:17), Buducnost have one foot in the door to the Women's EHF FINAL4 in Budapest. The Montenegrin champions are now second in Group 2 with four points more than third placed Krim and lie just a point behind Györi Audi ETO KC.

After a draw in Podgorica in the reverse fixture (19:19), Buducnost outclassed Larvik with a brilliant performance, just like two years ago (22:20), in first semi-final leg, which was a decisive point in the run to their first title.

“After the game in Podgorica, we said that it was not a typical Buducnost performance, we didn’t play like we should. I was the first one to say that in Larvik it will be a different story and that we can beat them. And we did it,” left back Milena Knezevic said.

“Unlike the match in Podgorica, in Larvik we immediately started to play more aggressive. We played better on offense, especially in the second half,” Knežević added.

Budućnost remain undefeated in the main round, with two victories and two draws, and are on a seven-game unbeaten run in the competition.

“It would be nice to continue like that till the end. Nothing is impossible. Everything depends on us, which is the most important thing. If we will play like we can, anything is possible,” said the ever optimistic Knezevic.

On Sunday Buducnost face Györi Audi ETO KC in a rematch of 2012 final. The opening main round encounter in Hungary finished with a draw (23:23), surprising many experts. The Montenegrins know a draw will be enough to secure second place, but the focus will certainly be on a victory and jumping into first.

“If we win, we'll have a good chance to be first in the group. Györ are the favourites, but we have shown there that we can play against them. If we can play to our potential in each position, there will be no problems,” concluded the 23-year-old.

Buducnost's message to the fans

Following some spectator related incidents in previous gtames, Budućnost issued a statement addressed to fans ahead of Sunday's game, calling on them to show their support in a fair and sportmanlike manner and to celebrate the club’s 65^th anniversary.

“In the interest of handball, we kindly ask you to help your team with fair behavior and cheering. Let's celebrate the anniversary of our club with dignity and support for the “blue and white jersey”, as all participants and fans deserve," the statement reads. 

Gjeorgjievska to leave for Baia Mare

After three years in Podgorica, Macedonian Elena Gjeorgjievska will leave Buducnost at the end of the season. The 23-year-old will join Romanian team HCM Baia Mare on a one-year contract.

Gjeorgjievska was part of the Women’s EHF Champions League title winning team in 2012, but has struggled with injuries throughout her three seasons with the Montenegrian champions. 

"I signed for HCM Baia Mare, not only because of the excellent contract I was offered, but also because they make a powerful team who will have big ambitions next season,” Gjeorgjievska said.

HCM Baia Mare have made their intentions clear and are putting together a stellar team.

Alongside Gjeorgjievska, the signings of left wings Camilla Herrem from Byasen and Valentina Elisei from CSM Cetate Devatrans, as well as Brazillian internationals Alexandra do Nascimento and Barbara Arenhart from Austrian champions Hypo Niederösterreich.

TEXT: Saša Jončić / cor