Coming off their 2-0 victory against longtime rivals Napredak, and consistent defeats of Jerina, LASK and Lavice, Masinac PZP is well on their way to winning league and heading to UEFA Cup. Although this time, they are hoping to advance further than any Serbian club has done in the past. Perica Krstic, club manager stated in a recent press conference, “We are expecting to come out of the Serbian First League as undefeated champions. Beyond that, our aim is to qualify for the quarterfinals in UEFA, and possibly further. Our aims our high, but we are ready and we know that we are capable.”

The skill and strength it takes to make it to UEFA quarterfinals is tremendous, and no Serbian club, let alone any club in the Balkan Region has made it that far before. Those positions are usually dominated by the Swedes, English, Germans, Danes and French, who are powerful competitors that frequently leave lesser countries in the dust come UEFA time.

But don’t think Masinac is operating on blind hope; with recent changes and modifications made within the club, they have the potential to achieve everything and more that they have talked about.

“Perica Krstic have developed a nutrition plan that will be optimal for our training and preparation of high-level competition. The plan includes daily vitamins, minerals and supplements for the players which will result in fewer injuries, fitter players, and overall a stronger performance on the field.” As well as the supplements added to the teams’ diet, their actual diet has changed as well.

“We are operating on a Zone-based diet, with precisely calculated levels of protein, carbohydrates, and fat to attain the ideal body mass of the players,” added Ibrahmovic. Impressive as it seems already, new talent and dietary expertise aren’t all that Krstic has in store for the Masinac players.

They have a new training regime which includes weekly weight-lifting and speed and agility training. Training is now twice a day, with a heavy, running-based morning practice and a more tactical, technical afternoon practice. Krstic is pushing his team hard, and he knows it.

“Sometimes I wonder if maybe the players aren’t ready for this conditioning, but then I think about the Cup, and I know what I must do; what we all must do. The players know this as well, and they have responded very positively. Everyone is enthusiastic, and the energy is tremendous.”

On the other end of the spectrum, in relation to finances, media and marketing, Krstic couldn’t be happier with the increased levels of financial support from the sponsors. Their sponsor, Preduzece za Puteve Nis, appointed since last year have tripled their funds for Masinac after being presented with arrangements made by Krstic. With the onslaught of more money, Krstic has invested in high-quality, modern game uniforms (in their classic Masinac green) and practice apparel, a refurbished fitness center, and incredible new equipment including official UEFA soccer balls that make a striking distinction next to their old gear.

So it’s not just all work and no play for the players, who are absolutely ecstatic about the new uniforms and apparel. 10-year Masinac player and Co-captain Milena Pesic spoke to the press following their practice, “Having all this new equipment and uniforms is such an honor for us. When we see these things, it makes UEFA Cup seem that much more realistic for us. We can visualize and understand the profit and rewards that will come by succeeding in UEFA. It only makes us work harder.”

As the players were training hard and focusing on their practice, Club President Zoran Mihailovic was busy leading the first ever Board of Directors meeting in the newly refurnished offices in the club. Created by Mihailovic and Krstic together, the newly instated Board of Directors has nine different departments with nine directors, each in charge of their own department.

“The Board of Directors was created to attain optimum levels of management and function within the club, and to capitalize on the different aspects of having a championship soccer club,” Mihailovic stated. “There are lots of facets which are completely unrelated to physical training, but are just as important. Marketing, press, finances and youth programs are just to name a few,” he added.

Take the Organization Department, for instance, which is lead by Danijela Milojevic. This specific department is actively contacting club teams in different countries all throughout Europe and setting up games, mini-tournaments, and competitions for Masinac to play against in preparation for international club play.

“Participating in these games is so beneficial for Masinac because of the exposure to European play from all around the continent. We want to be prepared for everything when it comes time for UEFA qualifying,” said Krstic.

“There also comes increased awareness for women’s soccer in other countries. We wish we could have young girls all over Europe watch Masinac’s games and be inspired. It will do great things for the future of women’s soccer,” he added.

So with their new regimes, training, equipment, players, funds and experts involved, Masinac is fully ready and willing to conquer UEFA. Said Krstic in his closing statements of the press conference, “If we achieve all that we have set up to do, then the work, time, money, and effort put into this will be miniscule in comparison to the rewards of succeeding at UEFA. This club will be noticed worldwide, the players will be valued greatly, allowing them to go to any country and play, and the people behind this will have the opportunities to delve further into developing women’s soccer.”

Victory at UEFA Cup was once a dream for Masinac, but now they are making that dream into a reality. With all the hard work, determination, participation and drive involved, you can bet that we will see those uniforms of green taking the spotlight this year at UEFA.