Minifootball clubs are usually founded by people with huge passion of the sport. And some times, the founders are also players of the team, at least for as long as they can do it! Dinko Dinev is a great example of this case, being the President, the Manager and player of the top minifootball team in Burgas, Neftokhimik.
– What are the expectations of your team in the EMF Champions League?
– As this is the inaugural Champions League in minifootball, we expect it to be full of surprises. For example to see our team winning the event (laughs). Seriously said we are glad to have the chance to compete with clubs from all over Europe. In the last month we have made few strong transfers from teams from Sofia and we think that with a bit of luck we could reach even the top.
– Which elements are the strongest of your team? Please analyze this a little more.
– Definitely the strongest characteristic of Neftokhimik is the team play.All our players are “leaving their hearts” on the pitch in every game. We have regular trainings after which we gather to unite the teammates. Sometimes we are celebrating the wins with parties with a lot of alcohol but as we are amateurs I think we have an excuse to drink few beers more compared to the professional players (laughs again).
– When you firstly heard about the EMF Champions League in Slovenia, which were your first ideas?
– My first thought was – “let’s go there, let’s win the trophy and bring it home to Bulgaria!” For me to listen to the anthem of Bulgaria, or the anthem of tournament like the EMF Champions League is a unique emotion – I’m always shivering at those moments. I hope Neftokhimik will have the chance to listen to that music as much as possible – right through to the Finale!