Jezero Football Club has emerged as one of the most pleasant surprises of the autumn season in Montenegrin football. The team, which began preparations with fewer than ten players, has steadily developed and grown throughout the season. As of December 2023, Jezero sits in fourth place in the league, having also secured a spot in the semifinals of the Cup.
Notably, Jezero is the only team in the Meridianbet 1. CFL that does not play at its home stadium. Despite this challenge, the club has managed to defeat championship contenders such as Sutjeska, Dečić, and Budućnost. Head coach Miodrag Đudović has played a pivotal role in this success, maintaining a clear plan and style of play that has allowed the team to compete effectively.
A Rise Against the Odds
Jezero’s journey this season has been remarkable. After a difficult start, the team recorded a series of five consecutive victories at the end of the autumn, culminating in a significant win against the reigning champions in Berane. In reflecting on the past season, Đudović stated, “After last season’s playoff, I believed we should retain our squad and bring in one or two new players. Unfortunately, we faced an exodus, but I am pleased that our players moved to larger, better-organized clubs.”
During the summer, Jezero had a small roster, but the club has since integrated several young players who have proven their worth. “All the players who joined showed quality and made serious contributions to our results,” Đudović added. “We trained diligently, focusing on improving our performance from match to match.” Despite experiencing a dip in form, the team finished strong, demonstrating their resilience.
Jezero exemplifies how a modest budget can still compete with wealthier clubs. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and unity within the team, the club has not only survived but thrived in a highly competitive environment. The club’s president, Ervin Tošić, has been instrumental in this success, leveraging his extensive experience and connections to assemble a talented roster.
Building a Competitive Team
“The president plays a significant role in everything we do. We work in coordination,” Đudović explained. “He has utilized his long-term experience and connections to help us form an excellent group of players.” The team has received recognition for its impressive results, but Đudović emphasizes that the real achievement lies in their style of play. “We have always aimed to reach our goals through the game itself,” he mentioned.
As the team prepares for the second half of the season, Đudović acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. “The second half will be more demanding; every point carries greater weight. Our primary task is to maintain our top-flight status, but if opportunities arise, we will strive to take advantage of them.”
Looking ahead, Jezero will begin preparations on January 11, aiming to build on their current momentum. “Players need to rest because we have a tough road ahead. We will also be keeping an eye on the transfer market,” Đudović concluded. The only departure has been Harada, who is continuing his career in Kazakhstan, which may create opportunities for younger players.
In terms of performance, Jezero has scored a total of 29 league goals this autumn, with the standout being Đorđe Maksimović. The 26-year-old forward from Kragujevac has netted nine goals, making him the leading scorer of the season. “Maksimović is not only a great player but also a fantastic individual,” Đudović praised. “His contributions have been invaluable.”
As Jezero FC looks to the future, the club’s blend of experience, youth, and a shared vision offers a promising outlook for the remainder of the season and beyond.
