After only three games played for most teams, it`s clear there`s no room yet for any plans to place in the top two and play in the final game. Still, in Sunday`s match in Ljubljana, where the Silverhawks will host the Novi Sad Dukes in Gunclje, starting at 2PM, a win can be very important for both teams. The home team can get back in the hunt after two straight losses to open the season, while the Dukes want to win and stay firmly in second place, and also prove that they`re not just a mild surprise so far in the season.
The Silverhawks` running back Rok Milek, agrees when it comes to the importance of this match: “In Sunday we have a decisive match – if we beat Novi Sad we have a good chance to play in the SELAF final, and that`s our goal from the start in this league.”
It won`t be easy for the team from Ljubljana, as they are expected to miss some key players yet again, like in their last game. With all this, Milek still expects good play. “Regardless of injuries to some players, which are key defensive players, I don`t think our defense will be bad because of it. If the offense starts playing as it should, than we`re an equal opponent to any team in SELAF. I believe the Novi Sad players are coming here to win, and that`s normal, considering you play to win in this sport. We`re also coming to play as gladiators, until our last breath and I hope we`ll get our first home win”, added Milek.
Also optimistic was the team`s defensive coach, Uroš Valant: “There`s a reason why the team from Novi Sad is in second place. They`re a fast and strong team, which scores a lot of points. Therefore we respect our opponent, but don`t fear him. I have faith in my guys and I`m sure they`ll give their all. I hope for a good game, a battle until the last minute and of course our win in the end.”
One of the players who`s a lot better known than a few months ago is Novi Sad running back Marko Đanić. The player who`s touchdown proved to be decisive in his team`s win in Kragujevac thinks the opponents experience doesn`t have to be decisive. “I expect good and fair play above all. About the team from Ljubljana we know very little, almost nothing. Experience is on their side, but you could see in prior games that`s not a decisive factor. We`ll try our best to set our own rhythm, because that will make it easier for us to get the result we wan`t.”
Zorica Simić, the club vice president stated that the Dukes also have their own injury problems. “We`re leaving for Slovenia without five standard players, but with a serious approach, discipline and focus, a good result won`t fail to come.”