"Neftchi" captain: "We were finally able to raise the team to the position it deserves."

"We had a very difficult season".

This was stated to Idman.biz by Amil Hamzayev, a basketball player of "Neftchi".

The captain of the club commented on their defeat to "Sabah" in the final of the Azerbaijan Basketball League. He said that the team did its best to achieve a successful result: "Although we started the season very badly, we were able to recover later. The teams that were in second and third place throughout the year could not reach this far, but we managed to reach the final. We were finally able to bring "Neftchi" to the place it deserves in the third season. Since "Sabah" participates in the Eurocup, we have a budget difference. Despite this, we had a decent game. I think that if equality is ensured in terms of budget next year, we will also perform better. I think it's time for "Neftchi" to go to the Eurocup".

The 34-year-old basketball player also evaluated his performances during the season: "Our transfer fees ended early, and one of our legionnaires left the club for personal reasons before the finals. Our rotations were small, and I myself "struggled" with a lot of injuries this season. Although the coach tried to use me, I couldn't play much. Despite the difficulties in rotation, we fought very well. Especially the first four months. When it came to the final series, at first we didn't believe that we could beat "Sabah". After winning the third game, confidence was created and with that confidence we won the fourth game. In the fifth match, there was some complacency. Overall, the final series went very well".

It should be noted that "Neftchi", which played in the final for the first time, finished the season with a silver medal.

Aytac Sahed
Idman.biz