Zamet Begins Preparations for Return to the Premier League
After relegation from the Paket24 Premier League, Rijeka's handball team enters the new season in the 1. HRL Jug with a clear ambition to return to the elite as soon as possible.
After relegation from the Paket24 Premier League, Rijeka's handball team enters the new season in the 1. HRL Jug with a clear ambition to return to the elite as soon as possible.
The handball players of Zamet officially opened the new season today, their first since being relegated from the Paket24 Premier League. The Rijeka-based club now competes in the 1. HRL Jug, but the management's message is unequivocal: a swift return to the top tier is a must. As reported by Kanal Ri, the senior squad gathered at the Zamet Center for their first training session.
Before taking to the court, the players were addressed in the VIP area by club president Željko Jovanović and sports director Aleksandar Ćupić. They welcomed the new members of the dressing room and coaching staff, and outlined the work plan for a season in which Zamet is expected to compete for the top of the table. The management made it clear they have no intention of lingering in the second division.
Zamet has entered the new season with a significantly reshaped squad. Among the new faces are right winger Jakov Krapić, young backcourt player Gabriel Kovačić arriving from Čakovec, and line player Ivan Petrović. Juraj Perkov and Jakov Miculinić have been promoted to the senior team, while Armando Srdoč returns to the fold.
The coaching staff has also seen changes. The new assistant coach is Igor Tomić, who previously worked with the senior team of RK Omišalj and with younger age groups. Fitness preparation is now led by Goran Turza, assisted by Marko Bogdanović, who also oversees fitness for players in Zamet's Handball School.
Relegation from the top flight has left its mark, but the new season brings an opportunity for a step forward. In the 1. HRL Jug, tradition, reputation, and ambition alone won't earn points; everything must be proven in training and matches. The Rijeka club has ample time to gel, but what will accompany every step is already clear: Zamet has no intention of getting used to second-tier handball and aims to return to the Croatian elite as soon as possible.