The new season of the m\:tel First League of Republika Srpska for men begins on Saturday, September 13. Right at the start, a derby match is scheduled between last year’s Premier League team Višegrad HED and Kozara from Kozarska Dubica. Their encounter will take place in Višegrad’s sports hall, starting at 7 p.m.
President of the Handball Federation of Republika Srpska, Marinko Umičević, wished the clubs the best of luck in the upcoming competition cycle.
“I am convinced that this new season will be just as exciting and competitive as the previous one. I believe we will see many good and closely contested matches, and that the best will eventually claim the championship title. I also expect fair refereeing, as well as mutual respect among clubs and players, both on and off the court,” said Umičević, who has successfully led the Federation, headquartered in Banja Luka, for seven years.
A novelty for the 2025/26 season is that clubs in the m\:tel First League will now have to pay a participation fee of 1,500 KM in two installments, the first after the fifth round.
“We were forced to take this step, and I hope our clubs will understand. I would also like to mention that we introduced a participation fee for Second League clubs (1,000 KM, also in two installments), while women’s clubs remain exempt from payment,” Umičević added.
Round 1 fixtures:
- Saturday: Bijeljina – Slavija (18:00), Kozara (G) – Hercegovina (18:00), Višegrad HED – Kozara (KD) (19:00)
- Sunday: Drina – ORK BL (18:00)
- Tuesday: Mladost – Kotor Varoš (18:00)
- Free: ORK Prijedor
Umičević disappointed
Umičević expressed disappointment that clubs playing in the BiH Premier League did not register for the m\:tel First League of Republika Srpska.
“Borac, Leotar, Derventa, and Sloga have plenty of young players who could have played in our First League, which would have been very useful for their development and experience. The clubs would also benefit since they wouldn’t need to bring in expensive players from elsewhere. I am disappointed in our Premier League clubs for not recognizing this, especially since they always seek support from the Federation when they face problems — and they have always had that support,” Umičević stressed.
Source: RTRS
