Tag: sasha dimitrijevic

‘It’s up to us to show our work’ says Depiro coach Dimitrijevic ahead of Super Cup

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.”

A featured image for an article about Depiro's new coach Sasha Dimitrijevic

Sasha Dimitrijevic named new Depiro coach

In a move to revitalise their coaching staff following the departure of Baldacchino brothers Ruben and Adrian, who led the men’s and women’s teams respectively, Depiro Sports Club has announced the appointment of former Athleta mentor Sasha Dimitrijevic as the new coach for their Senior Men’s team, as well as Head Coach of their Basketball Nursery.

This move sees Depiro revert to a foreign coach after Welshman James Bamfield and American Brian Semonian were replaced by Baldacchino, who took the team to the playoffs last season as the fourth-seed.

In a club statement, Dimitrijevic expressed his gratitude and excitement about the new role.

“I’d like to thank the board of Depiro Sports Club for this incredible opportunity. We share a unified vision and goal: to develop our local young players and give them the chance to compete at the highest level. Serious work lies ahead, but we’re ready for the challenge and excited to build something great together,” Dimitrijevic said.

John Vella, the newly appointed President of Depiro Sports Club, also shared his enthusiasm about Dimitrijevic’s appointment.

“The newly elected Depiro Sports Club committee has as the centre of its role the advancement of sport, education, and the community involvement of youth and society. To this latter end, we are pleased to announce the engagement of Coach Sasha Dimitrijevic.

“Sasha has always prioritised youth and put the development of a sound and comprehensive youth development framework at the core of his philosophy. This aligns directly with the club’s aims, and thus we are convinced that together the wellbeing and future of our basketball section can move forward to improve our teams and Maltese basketball in general. Welcome, Sasha!” Vella expressed.

Dimitrijevic’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team. Known for his emphasis on youth development, Dimitrijevic has built a reputation for fostering young talent and preparing them for high-level competition and the club stressed that his philosophy aligns perfectly with Depiro’s mission to not only achieve success on the court but also to contribute positively to the community and the sport’s future in Malta.