Now a former Minaj goalkeeper, Oleksandr Bandura spoke about his search for a new team.
- Oleksandr, you are no longer with Minai, and they say that you may move to Chornomorets. Is it true or fake?
- Yes, of course, I am looking for a new club. But specifically regarding Chornomorets, there were no conversations, no one called me. But everything is possible, I can't rule anything out.
- Goalkeeper Oleksiy Shevchenko has now left Chornomorets, is that why you are considered a candidate for the team?
- Everything can happen.
- Last season, the UPL named you the second goalkeeper after Trubin. And in this championship you had some good matches. Do you already have any offers?
- There are no offers so far. I am surprised that there are none. I had a pretty good season, both last season and this season. Perhaps people now look at age rather than the quality of the game. So, yes. For now, we have what we have.
- If there are offers from the first league clubs, will you consider them?
- I will. I will see what they offer. My agent is looking for a club for me.
- You have four children, you can go abroad to play. Do you have any offers from there?
- Not yet. I don't know, maybe the age factor is also important.
- The changes in the Minaj squad, the departure of many players, is it all due to economic reasons?
- My departure is purely due to economic reasons.
- Did Minaj pay you off?
- Yes, everything is correct. We shook hands and remained on good terms. As for the salary, everything was closed, everything I worked for was closed.
- Were you interested in this season? After all, the UPL has a tight table, every team can beat every team.
- I'm always interested because I love football. I love this game with all my heart. That's why I still play. I have the desire and health, I have the opportunities. I want to play again. We'll see.
- Goalkeepers often play longer than field players. Do you still plan to stay in football?
- The first factor is health. The second is desire. If you don't have the motivation to play anymore, then why play at this age? Do something else. And the third factor is having a club.
For example, I have the desire, I have the ability, but I have no place to play. They look at my passport: I'm already 37, I'm old, I can't do anything. But the championship shows who can do what. You can see who plays consistently and who makes mistakes.
- Do you still have a desire to play two or three seasons?
- Of course I do. But the question is where to play? For what money. What tasks does the team set?
- And if you were invited by an ambitious club from the second league, would you consider such an invitation?
- Of course, I would.
- Have you already coached children, or do you plan to develop as a coach?
- I'm looking in that direction. I have already worked with children and young men in Uzhhorod. I like it very much and the children like it too. There are prospects in this.
- What if you are invited to work as a goalkeeping coach?
- It is possible. But I would like to play some more. I still have the desire and health. To coach goalkeepers there, you still need to get licences - A, B, then goalkeeping coach.
Anton Terekhov