Age is just a number when you truly love what you do — and few prove that better than Dragan Ristić, the veteran striker of Hercegovac from Bileća, who continues to find the back of the net at 43 years old in the Second League of Republika Srpska, East Group.
Ristić says retirement is still not on his mind.
“I still enjoy the game. As long as it brings me joy, I’ll keep playing. I’ve been in football my whole life — as a professional — and I can’t imagine a day without it. I simply love this sport, and my family is used to that. Friends often ask how long I plan to keep playing, and my answer is always the same: as long as I have the will and strength,” said the experienced forward.
A veteran among the youngsters
This season, Ristić is wearing the jersey of Hercegovac, a club with a very young squad.
“The club’s management asked me to help the young players adapt to the Second League. A few of us older guys — like Aleksandar Begenešić and Srđan Andrić — are here to share our experience. The atmosphere is fantastic. The younger players respect us, and we do our best to help them. They really love football, which is rare these days. They train hard, they want to learn, and I believe some of them will take big steps forward in their careers,” Ristić added.
Coaching the next generation
Ristić also works as a youth coach at the Alfa Football School, where he helps nurture the next generation of players.
“I’m happy that kids here still have that desire to play. Nowadays, most of them are glued to phones, but we still have around 150 children training. Working with them gives me new energy — it reminds me of my own beginnings. I used to ride my bike six kilometers to practice and then play football again with my friends. Football was everything to us — and that love can never be replaced,” he said with a smile.
Results and experience
After seven rounds, Hercegovac has 12 points and four wins, with Ristić scoring three goals so far.
“We’re satisfied with the results. The management is doing a great job to provide good conditions. The goals come from team effort — but I rely on my experience. Having played in the Premier League of BiH and the First League of Republika Srpska, I know how to use chances from set pieces. I still have a strong aerial game. Us older players are trained to keep it simple in the box — always looking for a way to score,” Ristić said, laughing.
Career highlights
During his long and successful career, Dragan Ristić has played in both the Premier League of BiH and the First Leagues of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, wearing the shirts of Drina Zvornik, Leotar Trebinje, Zvijezda Gradačac, Radnik Bijeljina, Rudar Prijedor, and Mladost Velika Obarska.
Source: Glas Srpske
