Tine Čuk, after his first goal in senior football: “Realization of dreams! I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time with great expectations”

Published on 14. February 2024 14. February 2024

Photo: Žan Pak

Tine Čuk was one of the many bright spots for the purples in the Sunday match, where Maribor celebrated a remarkable 7:0 victory against Aluminij. He made his debut in fall against Koper, getting his first 11 minutes of senior football. Tine Čuk played for Maribor last Sunday for only the third time, but he managed to score. The young talent has accumulated only 39 minutes in Maribor’s senior team but has already proven why Maribor trusts and counts on him. His story is considered, as they say in Maribor, a mirror for those coming after him who will have to make the leap from youth to senior football.

Čuk Thanks Šimundža and Teammates

“Realization of dreams, I have been waiting for this moment for a long time with great anticipation. It’s hard to describe the feelings of joy when you score a goal for the biggest club in the country. This goal will remain an unforgettable memory for me. I carefully followed the ball with Vrhovec’s exceptional pass, tried to send it past the goalkeeper, and when I saw it going towards the net, the first thought was how to celebrate… I thank the coach for the trust, a big thanks also to all teammates. Not only for collaboration on the field but also for everyday matters, for valuable advice that is invaluable on my developmental path,” said 18-year-old (turning 19 tomorrow) winger and forward Tine Čuk, as reported on the club’s website.

“It is understandably different to shake the net in front of such a large number of fans, in Ljudski vrt. After all, it is a higher level of football. I am happy that I have also succeeded in this career step and look forward to what lies ahead. But the most important thing is that we won. We played a very good game, confirming the work during preparations when we laid the foundations for the rest of the season. Sometimes we lacked a goal, but we were creating opportunities. It is noticeable that the game is heading in the right direction, creativity in attack is improving, and I believe that with each game, the overall performance will be even better. The transition from youth to senior football is very demanding. In my case, it was probably somewhat easier since I have been in Ljudski vrt for several years. In the meantime, I got to know the club’s structure, adapted to the demands, and I believe that this realization made the intermediate steps easier. Learning to win and fight for trophies begins in the football school. When you come to the senior team after gaining experience in younger selections, starting a game or entering from the bench is truly a special experience. Therefore, I tell the guys to fight, train as best as they can, make the most of every moment on the field, and wait for an opportunity. Effort and hard work will pay off,” he concluded, being the youngest member of Maribor’s squad last Sunday.