Paunovic: We are not entering the Silver League as outsiders

The Macedonian women’s senior team, at noon, gathered at the Goran Pandev Hotel in Strumica, and coach Stefan Ponovovic marked the start of preparations for the Silver European League 2025.
In an excellent atmosphere, the team begins the timing of the form for the second appearance in this European representative competition. Thoughts are positive, given that the selection has been together for a long time, girls are more experienced, and opponents are more measured.
– We have been building a certain system of work with the girls who have been part of the national team. We know the opponents well, I think we have a chance, these are some national teams at our level. I expect to go step by step, so will the deal with the girls, step by step and see the result. We play two tournaments at home and it can be both an advantage and pressure. We will be preparing to turn that pressure into an advantage. It will be important for us to prepare both mentally, both physically and tactically to be ready for what we do not expect. I am optimistic, I have already watched the rivals of the previous cycle. Luxembourg has had a nice continuity in recent years, Switzerland is a selection that still has a chance of placing the European Championship, but in this Silver League we certainly do not enter as outsiders, no matter what on paper. I’m sure we’ll fight for everything – for every point, for every set, with every team. We will not see who is on the other side, we will play our game and prepare for it, and who will find the opposite side should be afraid – emphasized coach Stefan Punovic.

Silver European League matches are also considered a great preparation for the qualifying match with Greece and Austria for Eurovision 2026.

– For this summer gathering we expect a playful game, we have more matches in which we can show in a better light than in previous years. We expect to do our best and give results. I think it’s a big advantage for us to play at home two tournaments, we expect great support from the stands. We will go step by step, the silver league matches will be great for us in preparation for the qualifying match that awaits us in August, and this is just a big plus for us – says Meri Boskovska, the Macedonian national team.

The Park Hall in Strumica will be the national team base until the start of this year’s edition of the Silver European League. Macedonia hosts one of the tournaments in the first weekend, ie from May 30 to June 1, will be welcomed by Luxembourg and Switzerland.