Janusz Kołodziej: The Mobilization Was Until the End

FOGO UNIA Leszno, bidding farewell to PGE Ekstraliga, defeated on their home turf EBUT.PL STAL Gorzów 53:37. The captain, Janusz Kołodziej, added 11 points to the team’s tally and extended his contract with the team a day later, remaining in Leszno at least until 2026.

The Leszno team did not have to leave the PGE Ekstraliga ranks on Sunday. The white-and-blue team was counting on KS APATOR Toruń, whose victory in Zielona Góra could extend hopes of staying in the league. – We all followed what was happening in Zielona Góra until the very end and I was surprised that the internet could handle it. Unfortunately, at the end of the match, we were already sadly disappointed – said Janusz Kołodziej after the match.

Despite losing the chance to stay, the team of Rafał Okoniewski had their best performance of the season. FOGO UNIA defeated their guests 53:37, surpassing the 50-point barrier for the only time this season.

– The mobilization was until the end. We worked all week to perform the best in this event. We were very close. It’s a pity about the last race, there’s always that one weaker race for me. There was no relaxation, but focus – emphasized Kołodziej. – In this match, everything went well for us, even the eighth player, the fans, showed us to keep going until the very end – noted the captain of the relegated team.

After the match in Leszno, the whole team unanimously emphasized that they could say goodbye to the league with their heads held high. For the first time since 2007, a team with 11 points was relegated from the top level of competition. The white-and-blue team had a lot of bad luck due to injuries throughout the year.

– We need to think about what didn’t go right, but we know that luck wasn’t on our side this year. In this match, everyone was already healthy, and we were able to put up a fight. It was truly a different team – highlighted the 40-year-old.

Joachim Piwek