A team that surprised many during the first part of the SELAF season, the Novi Sad Dukes, is in the middle of training for the second part of league play which is set to start on the 13th of August. The season continues for the Dukes on August the 20th when this team will be hosting the Kragujevac Wild Boars.
Even though they performed better than expected, they lost their last two games, so they must beat Kragujevac in order to stay in pursuit of placing in the top two places that lead to the final.
“The goal of training before the season resumes is clear – to get as good of results as possible, correct mistakes and lapses from the first part of the season, improve on tactics and get the players into even better shape. We`re doing that through long and very thorough practices, maximum commitment from the players, and from the coaches. The players are very ambitious, and everyone`s very anxious of playing”, says Predrag Nikolić, coach for the team`s offense.
The team`s good results have also had impact on the interest of people in Novi Sad for the sport. Interest for American football is growing, and the team now has several new players who will help out when league play resumes, and also in the following seasons. However, there are also problems.
“The biggest problem at this point, is a large number of injured playes. But, we`re hoping they`ll quickly join practices and give their contribution”, he added.
Despite the two defeats that somewhat spoiled the impression they made, the Dukes still have a chance to place on top in the standings. Besides that, it`s also safe to say they have leapfrogged the Legionaries this season as the third team from Serbia, and with a few players that stood out this year, namely quarterback Čaba Juhas and running back Marko Đanić, they have the potential to challenge the top teams of SELAF more seriously in the future.