Neftchi basketball captain Amil Hamzayev has reflected on his team’s performance after their runner-up finish in the Azerbaijan Basketball League.
Despite falling to Sabah in the finals, Hamzayev told Idman.biz that the season was a major step forward for the club.
“It was a very tough season,” he admitted. “We started poorly but managed to regroup. While other teams that were in second and third place throughout the year failed to make it this far, we reached the final. After three seasons, we finally brought Neftchi to the place it deserves.”
The 34-year-old acknowledged the financial disparity between Neftchi and Sabah, who competed in European tournaments, but praised his team’s determination.
“Despite the budget difference, we played a respectable series. If we have equal resources next year, I believe we can perform even better. It’s time for Neftchi to compete in Europe too.”
Hamzayev also highlighted internal challenges: early completion of transfers, the departure of a foreign player before the finals, and his own injury struggles.
“We had limited rotations, and I was battling injuries throughout the season. Though the coach tried to use me, I couldn’t play much. Still, we fought well—especially in the first four months.”
The captain added that confidence grew after a win in Game 3 of the final series:
“At first, we didn’t believe we could beat Sabah. But after our win in the third game, we gained confidence and took the fourth. In the fifth match, there was a bit of complacency. Overall, though, it was a great final series.”
Neftchi, making their first appearance in the league final, closed the season with a silver medal.
Aytaj Sahed
Idman.biz
