Despite a disappointing season for OK Borac, one player stood out — receiver Vlatko Čančar, whose performances brought a positive note to the Banja Luka team.
The 21-year-old, who shares his name with a well-known Slovenian basketball player, has completed his third season with the club. His journey began in Foča, where he started playing volleyball at the age of 15 under difficult financial conditions.
Čančar recalled training in worn-out sneakers and saving small amounts of money daily just to afford proper equipment. With strong family support, he progressed steadily and eventually earned a place in the first team of Maglić.
At just 17, he had a trial with OK Vojvodina in Novi Sad, where he trained with top-level staff and even joined sessions with the senior squad. However, administrative and financial barriers prevented him from continuing his career there.
He later returned to Foča before joining OK Borac Banja Luka — a move he had dreamed of since playing against them as a teenager. His arrival marked a turning point, including a call-up to the Bosnia and Herzegovina youth national team and participation in training camps led by Vanja Grbić.
Beyond his playing career, Čančar has also begun developing as a coach, working with youth teams in Banja Luka and Dragočaj. He is currently studying at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Tuzla and has been selected to attend a coaching convention organized by the CEV in Portugal.
Looking ahead, Čančar believes the upcoming season could be his breakthrough.
Source: Glas Srpske
