Depiro enters this new season’s Super Cup final a changed team after numerous updates over the summer – from administration and branding, to a new coach and several new players. Now, new coach Sasa Dimitrijevic believes it’s time to show what the team has worked for.
Speaking to Malta Basketball ahead of the clash on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, Dimitrijevic, who was appointed head coach in July, said the club enters the new campaign with a ‘new vision’.
“Depiro enters this year with a new team, a new coach, new goals and a new vision,” the North Macedonian said.
“We’ve only been working for a month and a half, and our biggest problem is that we haven’t played a single friendly game. In contrast to our opponent, who played the qualifiers for the FIBA Europe Cup this year – This is very good experience.”
Depiro will play in the final after what Dimitrijevic called a ‘gift’ as the Mtarfa-based team finished as Knockout runners-up and playoff semifinalists against Mellieha Libertas, who despite finishing the season as beaten finalists, decided to opt out of the new season this summer.
On the other hand, Starlites are on the back of a European debut following an impressive season which saw them lift every domestic trophy possible. The Depiro coach called Starlites favourites for the tie while urging his team to show what they’ve worked on.
“Starlites is the favourite tomorrow: they have a good team, a good coach and continuity of work for many years,” he said, “it is up to us to show how we worked in this preparation period.
“I hope it will be a good game and I would like to see a lot of people in the gym.”
Asked about the addition of local duo David Bugeja and Luca Stefanovic, the Depiro coach believes they have fit in perfectly within the team
“I worked with Luca at Athleta and David is the best Maltese player. Both of them are great people and great players.”
Depiro will be heading into the game with a full squad as all players are confirmed to be available with Dimitrijevic remarking that: “Everything is in the best order and all the players are looking forward to tomorrow’s game. I believe that everyone will give their maximum.”
