Gašper Fičur: Koper Aiming for the Final 6 Next Season

This Saturday in Rijeka, organized by VK Opatija, the final tournament of this year’s regular season in the Alpe Waterpolo League (AWL) will take place. Five teams that will compete in the Final Tournament from March 6 to 8 for the overall title are already known. The sixth team will be decided in a direct clash between ASV Ströck Wien and Jadran Kostrena.

The winner will complete the Final Tournament lineup, joining Branik Maribor, Opatija LRH, Ljubljana Slovan, HAVK Mladost Zagreb and Triglav Kranj. Among the Slovenian teams, Koper-Hanna and Calcit Water Polo remain without qualification for the final stage.

In Opatija, the main focus will be on the clash between the Viennese side and Kostrena. The winner will join Branik Maribor, who have already secured first place, along with Opatija, Ljubljana Slovan, Mladost Zagreb and Triglav Kranj. Among the Slovenian clubs, Koper and Calcit have been left outside the Final Tournament.

In addition to the decisive match for the last spot among the top six teams after the regular season, the Rijeka tournament will also bring a crucial battle for second place between Ljubljana Slovan and Opatija, a showdown between unbeaten Branik and Mladost, a meeting between Delfin Rovinj and Medveščak, as well as a Slovenian derby between Triglav and Koper-Hanna, who remain outside the top six.

Ahead of the tournament, we spoke with Gašper Fičur, a Koper water polo player and Slovenian national team member.

Your team has missed out on the Final Tournament. How would you assess the season?

“Our main goal in the AWL was to build team chemistry, as we have many new players. In most matches, we didn’t even play with our full roster – the coach wanted to give opportunities to younger players aged 15 to 17, who could become important members of the team in a few years. I think they performed well, and these matches benefited both them and the more experienced players.”

What is the composition of your team?

“We have a mix of older and younger players. Some are local players returning to Koper after a few years away, while four are completely new. Building chemistry will also help us in the national championship, which is our main objective.”

How do you see the AWL competition itself?

“The league is developing in the right direction. If I compare it to the first year, when almost exclusively Slovenian teams participated, the progress is clear. Now Mladost, Opatija, Kostrena and others are competing – teams that play at a high level, which allows Slovenian clubs to measure themselves against the best.”

Only the final participant for the Final Tournament remains undecided. Does the current standings surprise you?

“No, everything is as expected. The strongest teams are at the top, so there have been no major surprises.”

Who do you see as favorites in the match between the Viennese side and Kostrena?

“It’s hard to say, but I would give a slight advantage to Kostrena.”

Do you hope Koper can reach the top six next season?

“Of course. We just fell short this year, but I believe we can aim higher next season. We have new club management, new sponsors and new ideas. That is already reflected in training sessions and matches. The players are motivated, so the continuation of the national championship will be even more interesting.”

You also played at the European Championship in Belgrade. What are your memories?

“I have both good and bad memories. I didn’t fully take advantage of the opportunity I was given, and I regret the team finishing in thirteenth place. Nevertheless, the experience was exceptional – seeing everything live is completely different from watching it on television. It gave me additional motivation for training, and I hope it was not my last European Championship.”

Match Schedule – 6th Tournament in Rijeka

Saturday, February 28:
Delfin Rovinj – Medveščak (13:00)
Koper-Hanna – Triglav Kranj (14:30)
ASV Ströck Wien – Jadran Kostrena (16:00)
Ljubljana Slovan – Opatija (17:30)
Mladost – Branik Maribor (19:00)

Postponed matches:
March 1: Opatija – ASV Ströck Wien (11:00)
March 4: Medveščak – Calcit Water Polo (20:30)

Standings

Branik Maribor – 30 points
Opatija LRH – 24
Ljubljana Slovan – 24
HAVK Mladost – 23
Triglav Kranj – 20
Jadran Kostrena – 17
ASV Ströck Wien – 15
NTS Koper-Hanna – 9
Medveščak – 6
Delfin Rovinj – 6
Calcit Water Polo – 3
Torpedo – 0

Author: Miha Štemcar
Photo: Gašper Pajnik