Dunaújváros, who finished third in the regular season, are fighting with Fradi, who finished ahead of them, in the battle until the second success of one of the sides, so the Budapest team has the home field advantage. Fradi won both meetings in the regular season, but only in a huge battle with one goal each. That means Vad Lajos’ team still has a reason to earn.
We talked to Nikolet Szabó, who is becoming a stable starter and also a member of the senior national team.
– At the beginning of the season, there was a question as to whether we would be in the top four, because we kept getting younger. However, it wasn’t easy to get to this point, the championship started quite rough, then the performance and the team started to rise, we also found common ground with Lajos. Then, at the end, there was another small ups and downs despite the winning matches, and we had to get up from it, which I feel was possible thanks to the many team programs and discussions.
We are ready for the semi-finals, they always said we can do miracles, I want us to do it now because we can do it
said the 22-year-old player firmly.
Szabó emphasized that they always played good matches with Fradi, and usually the only thing that decided it was that they lacked routine in important situations, which they gained from during the season.
– For sure, the stake is not on our shoulders, since it is also a big deal that we are here among the four.
We talked a lot about it, yes, everyone dares to take on the important moments, we want to show it so much, there is no snobbery in the air, I can say, we have the lion here too! You should not approach the duel otherwise.
– Perhaps the most important thing will be that you should not deal with the judge’s verdicts, only with yourself.
Nikolett has been playing in Dunaújváros since 2017, now he has become an important link in the team, and with his performance he was selected for the national team and was able to participate in the European Championship.
– I did a lot to get to this point, but I don’t want to stop here, I want to continue to develop and learn. However, during this time I also gained a lot of experience, which I also try to pass on to the younger ones, thereby helping and encouraging them. Of course, I want to perform in such a way that I can be included in the national team again, but when I prepare for a match, it is not this, but the fact that I get the most out of myself, he noted.
By the way, Szabó often takes the “bad week” from the team, i.e. the exhibitions, but he grew up with defense as the first priority. If it is necessary, then it is scored, if it is, then it “cleans” in attack.
– I prioritize defense, of course I’m happy when I score a goal, but much better when I get the ball and the team can move forward with it. Of course, it was difficult to process at first that after three exhibitions I was just sitting on the bench and watching the game from the outside.
I’m really looking forward to the start against Fradi, I trust him, giving everything, we can look each other in the eye after the match.
– This will be the most important thing, which, if combined with a victory, would be a huge thing.
After Wednesday’s meeting, the next one will be held in Dunaújváros on Saturday from 5 p.m. If necessary, the third will be held next Tuesday, again in the capital. In the other semi-final, UVSE, who finished first in the basic division, will play against fourth-placed Eger.
