Basketball club Mladost will continue competing in the Bosnia and Herzegovina League next season, the club’s president Milan Kovačević confirmed.
With preparations already underway, the club’s first priority is appointing a head coach.
“The coach is the first issue we need to resolve. Danilo Palalić finished the season in charge after taking over the team in a very difficult situation and getting the maximum out of the squad. Due to a combination of circumstances we failed to secure survival at that time, but we will be playing in the league again. Our wish is for Palalić to remain at the helm and he will be the first person we offer a contract to because he earned it through his dedication and excellent work. We hope he accepts the offer, and then we will move on to building the roster,” Kovačević told Glas Srpske.
He also confirmed that team captain Đorđe Aleksić will remain with the club.
“Aleksić is definitely staying. We are currently in talks with several players and already have a preliminary agreement with six of them. Now we will see what reinforcements we can bring in,” Kovačević said.
He expressed satisfaction that Mladost will remain part of the country’s top basketball division.
“I am convinced that Mladost will maintain the quality of play that has characterized the club over the years and continue to be a stable and recognizable member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina League. Our goal is not simply to participate, but to build a competitive team, deliver strong performances and represent Mrkonjić Grad in the best possible way. Mladost has tradition, loyal supporters and people who truly love the club. I believe that through collective effort we will continue our presence in the highest level of domestic basketball,” Kovačević added.
In the final round of last season’s regular season, Mladost defeated Leotar 76–70, but remained below the survival line after Donji Vakuf defeated Student 98–92.
Mladost finished the campaign with an 8–16 record, identical to Zrinjski’s. However, the Mostar-based club held the advantage in the head-to-head standings and secured survival.
It initially appeared that Mladost would be relegated for the first time since joining the top division in 2008. However, following the withdrawal of Jahorina and Student, the club from Mrkonjić Grad retained its place in the Bosnia and Herzegovina League.
Source: Glas Srpske
