BH Telecom and KS Government Secure 2.5 Million KM for KK Bosna: Matches to be Played in Zetra

(Patria) - A conference on the participation of the "Bosna" Basketball Club in the ABA League was held today at the premises of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Nermin Nikšić was the first to address the attendees and stated that they do not want to stand aside when it comes to financing institutions on this matter, even though it is not a direct responsibility of the FBiH Government.

As the Prime Minister pointed out, the biggest problem for the "Bosna" Basketball Club was the venue for the ABA League matches, as there was an issue with something that "you couldn't plan for happening in the ABA League, because the Skenderija Center had already booked the dates". It was agreed that the matches would be held in the Zetra hall.

"Such a brand deserves our support. KK Bosna will compete in the ABA League," Nikšić said.

The agreement stipulates that KK Bosna will receive 1.3 million KM from BH Telecom and 1.2 million KM from the KS Government.

Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk said on this occasion that in 2023, when this Government began its work, or when they took office, they had already stated that they would return KK "Bosna" to where it belongs.

"I am pleased today that we have gained another partner in our mission to return "Bosna" to the regional throne, and that is the Government of the FBiH, through our company BH Telecom. These three partners will carry out the entire undertaking. I call on local communities and businesses to join. "Bosna" is not a brand of Sarajevo, "Bosna" is a brand of BiH. I am pleased that citizens will enjoy serious matches. Once again, I want to thank everyone who has supported and will support "Bosna"," Uk said.

Minister of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton Kenan Magoda stated that nothing is accidental.

"I believed in Dubravko, and we have fulfilled everything we agreed upon. This shows public-private partnership. Thank you, Dubravko, for also contributing personal funds. This contract we signed today is not just an ordinary contract. 1.2 million is the largest contract ever signed for sports. Of course, we will not stop there. I expect the KS Government to adopt the Draft Law related to sports and to specify allocations for sports. Sports and culture are something that will bring happiness and synergy to our people. We will grieve and rejoice together with KK "Bosna". Let's move forward, stronger, and let's win every game, as Dubravko says," Magoda stated.

President of the "Bosna" Basketball Club, Dubravko Barbarić, also addressed the media.

"We have three sports super brands. Many countries in the region do not have that. As soon as I came to "Bosna", I said that "Bosna" is not a club made to not aim for titles, to aim for placements. In the last two seasons since I've been in the management, we have had four finals. In two years, a huge step forward has been made for "Bosna". We have brought back the audience. We have brought back titles," he stated, adding that they have worked diligently from the very beginning.

He apologized to the public for the drama but noted that money is the biggest stress in sports.

As highlighted at today's press conference, the "Bosna" Basketball Club will change its name for its participation in the ABA League next season.

The Students will therefore be called KK Bosna BH Telecom next season due to the new general sponsor.

"It will be called Bosna BH Telecom, decisions will be made through the Management and Supervisory Board, there is no reason for the management of KK Bosna to doubt us," Nikšić said.

Director of ZOI '84 Admir Bukva, which also manages Zetra, said that they will do everything in their power to resolve the issues related to meeting the criteria for the ABA League, which concern the renovation of the locker rooms.