Spasoje Pekić officially ended his successful 24-year handball career during the match against RK Borac Banja Luka. The experienced player left a strong mark in every club he represented, which is why many wished him success after announcing his retirement from professional handball.
Interestingly, the player from Bileća began playing handball even though there was no handball club in his hometown. Basketball was highly popular in Bileća at the time, but his passion for handball ultimately prevailed.
“In Bileća there was only a small handball section where a few guys trained. Basketball was very popular, but I saw myself in handball. I simply liked the sport more and never gave up. We joined the team training in Nevesinje, and that is where my serious career began. I played there for four years before moving to RK Leotar, which was also starting to progress,” Pekić told Glas Srpske.
Known as a fearless fighter on the court, Pekić quickly earned the respect of fans everywhere he played. Off the court, he was recognized as a loyal teammate and honest friend. In addition to RK Hercegovina and Leotar, he also played for clubs including RK Vogošća, RK Slavija, RK Sloboda Tuzla, RK Gradačac, Lokomotiva Brčko and RK Derventa.
He also spent three seasons in Croatia playing for RK Spačva Vinkovci.
“In every club I tried to give my maximum, and I carry beautiful memories from all of them. I still have friends and contacts with former teammates everywhere, and that is the greatest thing this sport gives you — friendships across all places. Handball also brought me to Brčko, where I met my wife,” Pekić said.
Still, one club stood out above all others in his career — Derventa, where he returned three separate times.
“I truly have wonderful memories from every team, but Derventa shaped me both as a player and as a person. That is why I returned there three times. It is a fantastic environment that respects every player. They always treated players properly and honored every agreement. I was fortunate to work with coach Zoran Dokić, from whom I learned a lot. I improved in every aspect. I must also mention club president Radovan Pazurović, who took excellent care of the club,” Pekić emphasized.
Speaking about his time in Croatia, Pekić recalled that period fondly as well.
“The time at Spačva was also excellent. The Croatian league is very strong and, unlike in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we only had to focus on our performances on the court. We achieved great results and they wanted me to stay, but because of family and private business obligations, I decided to return,” he explained.
Although he has retired as a player, Pekić says he does not plan to leave handball behind. During his playing career he completed coaching education and earned the prestigious European Handball Federation Master Coach diploma, which allows him to coach teams across Europe.
“During my playing career I worked on my coaching education and became an EHF Master Coach. We will see where my career goes next. I previously had offers to work at Spačva and to coach a Premier League club, but at that moment I chose to focus on private business in Brčko, where we run a Sports Education Center. That fulfills me right now, but you should never say never. If the right offer with a clear plan comes along, why not? I learned a great deal during these 24 years and I want to pass that knowledge on while continuing to improve myself,” Pekić said.
Heroic act
During his time in Croatia, Pekić, together with teammates Dražen Stojanović and Slaviša Ignjić, helped save the life of a truck driver while traveling to a match.
“We were driving to a game when we noticed a truck moving strangely on the highway. Soon after, it overturned, and it was immediately clear that we had to react. We broke the windshield, pulled the driver out, gave first aid, and called an ambulance. Fortunately, everything ended well,” Pekić recalled.
Source: Glas Srpske
