An important achievement was achieved by this year’s NOP polo team, which, against experts’ predictions, managed to stay in the A1 National for the 2nd consecutive year and show that it came to stay in the “living rooms” of Greek polo.
Even if the stay came in the process of play-oyt, the historic team justly managed to renew its stay and look with optimism to the future, as the talented “babies” have now grown up.
Let’s take stock and record the 4 “key” points that brought Chania to the A2 National after 32 years.
-“Trunk”: Despite being promoted to A1 National, NOP did not change its roster to a large extent. Of the 14-15 players who played this year, 10 players were the same as the A2 National Team and many of them debuted in the A1 National Team. Children like Georgaras, Vikatos, Angelopoulos, Bethavas, Lambatos, Passas, got into the deep end, but “swam” and showed that they have a future. Plus the fact that the experienced players acquired such as Papadogonas, Gavalas and Kazakos helped significantly in the crucial games.
–Coach: Giorgos Doskas, who despite taking over unexpectedly – after the departure of Kravaritis at the last moment for Olympiakos – completed his mission. The planning with the transfers was his own choice and also in the crucial matches he coached NOP as he should, leading to big victories, – like the one against Paleo Faliro – and he showed that he can also offer as a coach.
-The administration: Although a rookie – for the present we are referring to – in the A1 National team, he showed no signs of inexperience. Beyond the trivialities of being consistent financially, we saw that wherever needed he was there to support the coach. Like for example in January when he moved and shut down a Greek regardless of whether he was not released by his team and the fact that whenever he was asked he sent the team to Athens for strong friendly tests.
-The History: As much as some want to ignore it, the vast history of the NOP plays its part. The “heavy” cap that the Association has acquired has weight, either in the transfer market, or in the crucial games with the stands of “Pepanos” being full, and this will also play a role in the following day, as developments are expected after Easter.
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