Director of Kryvbas Academy: "On the day of the tragedy in Dnipro, our club's players were lured by one of our greats"

On 2 April, another terrorist attack against Ukraine took place in Dnipro. Country 404 once again launched rockets, one of which damaged the building of the Dnipro Professional College of Sports, of which the Kryvbas branch is a part. Oleh Chaika, the director of the Kryvyi Rih Academy, commented on the situation.

- Oleh Mykolayovych, could you tell us more about what happened and what the situation is now?

- Every day, about 500 pupils and students live and train in the DFKS building, about 200 of whom are young footballers; 170 teachers and sports teachers and educators work there. Peaceful people, athletes, children... whose lives have been transformed by the 'Russian world'. The building was partially destroyed, windows and classrooms were damaged, but most importantly, at the time of the strike, our students and the college staff were in the shelter. This saved their lives and health.

- As we understand it, repairs are currently underway. Where do the children live now and did it affect the training process and participation in the DUFLU Championship?

- The DFKS building is currently being restored and I would like to thank everyone who joined this process. Some of the children are temporarily at home, but this did not affect the training process and participation in the DUFLU Championship. Against all odds, the Kryvbas team continues to defend the red and white colours and I am sure they will be able to return to full-time work and training at home very soon!

- As you know, adversity unites and together we can overcome any difficulties. Tell us, who was by your side in such a difficult moment?

- First of all, a big "red and white" family always supports each other in any situation, and this was out of the question. The Club's management immediately travelled to Dnipro and was there for us then and now. Secondly, I would like to thank Mykola Lukashuk, the head of the Dnipro Regional Council, for his active assistance. Together, we even organised a trip of the UFC boys to the UPL game against Vorskla.

- Tell us, have you received any offers of support from other clubs?

- To be honest, this situation shocked us twice. The arrival is yet another terrorist act by our inadequate neighbour, who terrorises the civilian population of Ukraine almost every day. But there is something that really has no explanation. On the day of the tragedy, some of our young players received a call from the scouts of one of our big clubs and offered to move and train with their club, supposedly in safety. Immediately upon arrival! Not to the whole team, but only to the strongest players. It just doesn't fit in my head. Isn't this some kind of looting? As they say, with such "friends" you don't need enemies.