The head coach of FK Omaraska, Velimir Stojnić, told Glas Srpske that the upcoming season will be full of challenges for his team and that they must prepare for them in time.
Following the club’s relegation from the First League of Republika Srpska in the 2023/24 season, Milan Stanivuković stepped down at the start of the previous championship’s preparations, and Stojnić was brought in to replace him. Under his leadership, the team achieved its primary goal—a swift return to the Republika Srpska elite. First place in the Second League of Republika Srpska (Group West) was secured several rounds before the end of the season, finishing with a 17-point lead over second-placed Proleter from Teslić.
“By securing first place in the Second League, Group West, we fulfilled expectations. But now we face much greater challenges, and we need to prepare well in order to face them,” said Stojnić.
Immediately after the season ended and promotion to the First League was secured, the entire squad extended their contracts with Omaraska. However, the experienced coach emphasized that the transfer window must be handled properly.
“We had a very narrow roster. Most of the season was carried by 13 or 14 players. We’re aware that this won’t be enough for the higher level. That’s why we will bring reinforcements in all necessary positions, making sure that at least two of them are players within the protected age category, because the First League requires teams to have players under 21 years of age on the field,” Stojnić continued.
Omaraska will stick to its established approach.
“As before, we won’t bring in foreigners or expensive signings. These will be players from the Krajina region. That’s why good cooperation with clubs like Borac Banja Luka, BSK, Rudar Prijedor, Kozara, and football academies like Spartak 2013 is very important. We can bring in players from those systems who will get playing time and the chance to develop here,” Stojnić added.
According to him, the construction of a new auxiliary pitch with artificial turf will be a major step forward for the club.
“The plan is to complete the pitch within three to four months. Once it’s ready, the main pitch will be significantly relieved. We’ll be able to use the new pitch for training, and younger selections will even be able to play some matches on it,” he noted.
A preliminary agreement has already been reached for him to remain at the helm of Omaraska next season.
“We plan to start preparations, most likely, on July 10. By then, we should reinforce the squad and begin full-capacity training. We’ll have enough time to prepare well for the new season, which is scheduled to start on August 16 or possibly August 23. Our primary goal will be to secure survival as soon as possible, along with further club stabilization on all levels. We also plan to play four friendly matches, with opponents being Ključ, BSK, Kozara, and Sloga from Trn,” Stojnić concluded.
Supporters
Omaraska’s fans are a story in themselves. Whether the team is fighting for the title or battling to avoid relegation, the stadium is always full. Stojnić, who previously coached several clubs including Borac Banja Luka, Rudar Prijedor, and Kozara, offered his perspective on why that is.
“Omaraska has always been made up of local players, and that’s the main reason the stadium is packed. The same happened when I coached Borac, which had mostly homegrown players, and it was the same in Prijedor and Gradiška. Today, clubs are increasingly turning to unknown foreign players, and the crowds are dwindling. That’s certainly one of the reasons,” said Stojnić.
Financing
Part of Omaraska’s funding comes from the city of Prijedor, while the rest is collected from sponsors, primarily local businesspeople who have supported the club for years.
“A significant portion also comes from people from Omaraska living abroad. We’re proud that we sell a large number of annual and season tickets every year. And those same people who buy season tickets still purchase single-match tickets when they attend games—once again showing how much they love Omaraska and what it means to them.”
Source: Glas Srpske
