Sutjeska Aims for Autumn Crown in Final Matches of the Season

As the final football weekend of the year approaches, Sutjeska stands on the brink of securing the autumn championship title in the Meridianbet 1. CFL. A victory over Jedinstvo on December 10, 2023, would guarantee the top position for the Niksic team ahead of the winter break, regardless of the outcomes for their competitors. This pivotal match serves as a crucial moment for Sutjeska, who currently holds a four-point lead over second-placed Barani.

In addition to the clash between Sutjeska and Jedinstvo, four other matches are on the schedule for the 18th round of the league. Bokelj will host Dečić, Arsenal welcomes OFK Mladost, and Jezero faces Mornar in Berane. The day’s standout match features Petrovac taking on Buducnost in a highly anticipated derby.

Sutjeska’s coach, Dejan Jelenić, emphasizes the importance of their upcoming match. “We are playing at home and have an obligation to secure three points,” he stated. The team recalls their previous encounter with Jedinstvo in Bijelo Polje, where they struggled to earn a draw. Despite Jedinstvo’s position at the bottom of the table, Jelenić remains wary of their potential to disrupt Sutjeska’s ambitions.

Defender Bojan Damjanović echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the need for focus and minimizing errors. “They may be at the bottom, but we must not underestimate them,” he said. “They have gone ten matches without a win, including the Cup, but many of those losses have been by a single goal.”

Petrovac, on the other hand, has faced challenges of its own, suffering a shock elimination in the Cup against Otrant Olimpika and experiencing a slump in league performance. With only one win in their last six matches, Petrovac’s coach, Zdravko Dragicević, acknowledges the need for a turnaround. “This match against the current champions provides extra motivation,” he stated. “Our goal is to win not just today, but also in our next match against Bokelj.”

Despite their struggles, Petrovac aims to capitalize on the opportunity presented by facing Buducnost, a club with a storied history in Montenegrin football. Dragicević anticipates a challenging match, given the difficult playing conditions and the physical nature of the game.

In the context of Buducnost, they have experienced a dip in form, highlighted by a recent defeat against Bokelj. Currently eight points behind Sutjeska, any result other than a victory in Petrovac could jeopardize their title defense. Defender Miomir Đuričković emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We need to show character and determination.”

Buducnost has also made significant changes to its transfer policy, announcing that all previous powers of attorney related to player transfers are now void. The club’s executive director, Predrag Kažić, confirmed that future transfers will require new authorizations, intended to streamline their operations.

In a personal farewell, Saša Balić, a former Montenegrin international, is set to conclude his playing career with Bokelj. The 35-year-old defender, who began his football journey at Bokelj, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return home. “I am happy to end my professional career at the club I consider my own,” Balić remarked. He has played for several clubs internationally and represented the national team 14 times.

As the season comes to a close, the upcoming matches will determine not only the fate of the autumn championship but also set the tone for the second half of the season. With high stakes and intense rivalry, football enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting finale to the year.