After a winter break of more than two months, the Women’s Superleague resumes with the start of the play-off. Szeitl Szilvia’s side begin their campaign in the most important phase of the season on Sunday, away to Universitatea Cluj.

After a winter break of more than two months, the Women’s Superleague resumes with the start of the play-off. Szeitl Szilvia’s side begin their campaign in the most important phase of the season on Sunday, away to Universitatea Cluj.

Following the conclusion of the winter preparation period, our women’s team will take to the field on Sunday at the Iclod Arena against Universitatea Cluj. In the four-team championship round of the Women’s Superleague play-off, we will compete for the title alongside Universitatea Cluj, Farul Constanța and Politehnica Timișoara.

Our team will begin the play-off without two key players, captain Andrea Herczeg and Anna Nyéki, as both midfielders are currently undergoing post-surgery rehabilitation with the aim of returning as soon as possible.

Head coach Szeitl Szilvia evaluated the winter work and the training camp in Turkey. According to her, the team completed a productive and successful preparation period under excellent conditions, playing three friendly matches against opponents of varying strength.

– In addition to preparing in excellent conditions, we played against three teams of different levels. Such an opportunity had never arisen in the history of our women’s team: we were able to work in Turkey in 16–18 degrees sunshine on a high-quality natural grass pitch. We thank the club for providing these conditions – said our head coach.

Speaking about the lessons of the friendly matches, she highlighted that facing opponents of different strengths allowed the team to practice defensive organization, refine their style of play and identify areas that still need improvement.
– Against a team of similar level we were able to fine-tune our game, against a stronger opponent certain defensive details came to light that we still need to improve, and in the final match we were able to adjust our attacking play, efficiency and finishing. During the training camp and our work at home, we managed to practice everything that will be important in the play-off – she added.

Looking ahead, she emphasized that the real test comes on Sunday.
– The match against Universitatea Cluj will show how successful our preparation has been. In our most recent friendly I saw many positive aspects and I am satisfied with the players’ performance. On Sunday it will depend on how well we can seize the opportunity. I hope the mentality shown in training will carry over into the match and that we return home with a positive result. I have great confidence in them and I am convinced we will succeed – she stated, stressing that for us there is only one acceptable outcome: victory and the three points.

The head coach also noted that after the opening round a longer international break will follow, providing further opportunity to refine our game.
– We are optimistic about the future – she concluded.

The Universitatea Cluj–FK Csíkszereda match will be played on Sunday, 22 February, starting at 13:00, and will be broadcast live on Pro Arena.

László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál