Borac Banja Luka’s women’s volleyball team is preparing to make history as the club enters European competition for the first time. The historic match will take place on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Borik Sports Hall in Banja Luka, where Borac will face Finnish champions Pölkky Kuusamo in the CEV Challenge Cup.
The highly anticipated encounter represents a major milestone for the Banja Luka club, which has reached the European stage just five years after beginning its journey.
Kuzmanović: We want to prove that Banja Luka can compete at the highest level
Borac head coach Dušan Kuzmanović acknowledged the challenge posed by the Finnish champions, who have significantly more experience in European competitions.
Pölkky Kuusamo’s squad includes several Finnish national team players alongside three international reinforcements: Morgan Riley Wagoner from the United States, Louane Verger from France and Megija Dambrehte from Latvia.
“They are a very serious and experienced team with continuity in European competitions, unlike us. This is our first European appearance in the club’s history, and our entire focus since the beginning of the season has been on this match,” Kuzmanović said.
He admitted that the anticipation surrounding the European debut may have contributed to Borac’s disappointing start to the domestic championship.
“I think that may be one of the reasons for our weaker start in the league because dealing with that kind of pressure is not easy,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Kuzmanović believes his players are ready to demonstrate their abilities against strong opposition.
“We have prepared well and understand the strength of our opponents. In addition to Finnish national team players, they have three quality international players. We want to show that we are capable of playing serious volleyball at a high level,” he emphasized.
Although the Finnish league is not among Europe’s five or six strongest competitions, Kuzmanović described it as well-organized and technically demanding.
“They play very good technical volleyball, which will be a challenge for us. However, we tend to perform better against stronger teams,” he said.
“I expect us to give everything tomorrow and demonstrate that quality volleyball is also played here. We will do everything we can to win the opening match,” Kuzmanović added.
Captain Švraka: The team is excited about making history
Borac captain Mirjana Švraka said the players are eagerly awaiting their first appearance on the European stage.
“Of course, there is some positive nervousness. I don’t think we have fully realized where we are and what awaits us tomorrow, knowing that we are about to play the first European match in the club’s history,” Švraka said.
Despite the team’s difficult start to the domestic season, she emphasized that the atmosphere within the squad remains excellent.
“The atmosphere is fantastic. Regardless of our poor start in the domestic championship, we will not allow that to affect us. We want to give our best and show that we are a real team,” she added.
Five years of progress lead Borac to European competition
Borac president Aleksandar Dakić described qualification for the CEV Challenge Cup as a reward for years of dedication and hard work.
“This is a reward for me, the coaches and the players. Organizing an event of this magnitude is extremely demanding,” Dakić said.
He revealed that numerous people have been working on preparations for months to ensure the match becomes a memorable sporting occasion.
“Many people have been working every day for months. We are trying to make sure this is not just another match, but an event that Banja Luka will remember, something the city has not experienced before,” he explained.
Around 1,000 supporters from Republika Srpska expected
Borac is expecting significant support from the stands as volleyball clubs from across Republika Srpska have confirmed their attendance.
Dakić expressed gratitude to the institutions and companies supporting the club’s historic European appearance.
“I would like to thank the Government of Republika Srpska, the City of Banja Luka, Mtel and all our sponsors and friends of the club for their support,” he said.
He emphasized that the club wants the match to become a major sporting spectacle.
“We have already received confirmation from clubs across Republika Srpska that they will attend with their members, and we expect around 1,000 of them,” Dakić stated.
He also called on local sports fans to fill Borik Sports Hall and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
“Now it is up to the fans to fill the arena and show that Banja Luka deserves to host European matches,” Dakić concluded.
Source: Glas Srpske
