The Ukrainian president of the Chisinau «Zimbru» Andriy Semenchuk spoke about the club’s European Cup ambitions, staffing accents in the team setup, and Ukrainian representatives.
Andriy Semenchuk— Mr. Andriy, does the president of «Zimbru» have connections to Ukraine?
— Yes, I was born in Ukraine and I have many acquaintances there.
— Who are the main sponsors of the club?
— The main sponsor of the club is its owner Mykola Tymofiyovych Chornyi. He has been investing in «Zimbru» for 30 years. The club also collaborates with several local and international companies. The key partner of the main team «Zimbru» is an IT company from Turkey. Our large football youth academy, which trains over 500 children, is supported by OTP Bank.
— How difficult is it to invite foreign investors to a Moldovan football club?
— Attracting foreign investors to Moldovan football is not easy. There are several objective factors that limit the attractiveness of this sector in Moldova. However, thanks to the joint efforts of clubs and the Football Federation of Moldova, the situation is gradually improving.
Currently, for example, we are negotiating cooperation with a large company from Ukraine.
— What tasks does the club face?
— Under my leadership, the club has participated in European Cups for two years. So far, these have been qualification matches in the Conference League. This season, the team’s task is to qualify for the Champions League. That is — to become the champion of Moldova.
— In the squad of «Zimbru» there is Denis Dedeko. Is it true that there is interest in other experienced Ukrainian footballers?
— Yes, Denis Dedeko plays for «Zimbru». He is an experienced player who strengthens the club. I would like to see more Ukrainian players in our team, as Ukraine has strong football traditions.
The club «Zimbru» is indeed interested in footballers from Ukraine and has negotiated with some of them. I think we will see Ukrainian players in the «Zimbru» squad soon.
— Is it true that your club is interested in Besedin, Harmash, and Plastun?
— I have no information regarding these players.
— Do you hypothetically consider inviting a Ukrainian coach?
— In the summer, when we were considering candidates for the head coach, there were specialists from Ukraine among them, but we chose a coach from Turkey. And in our opinion, he will strengthen the team.
— Moldova remembers the success of Yuriy Vernydub with «Sheriff». Back then, many different legionnaires played in his team. Is it a working scheme for «Zimbru»?
— «Zimbru» is of course strengthening with legionnaires, but the club wants to play its own academy graduates. Our youth not only regularly trains with the main team, but also consistently features in the starting lineup during matches and demonstrates themselves well in the championship.
We strive to maintain a balance between foreign players and Moldovan footballers.
— The club’s press service is also headed by a Ukrainian, Halyna Tretyak (known for her fruitful work in «Oleksandriya»). How did she end up in «Zimbru»?
— This is a case where the goals of the club and the specialist coincided. We needed to develop communications, Halyna had serious experience in this area, especially in football. In the summer, we met, spoke, and realized that our collaboration could be fruitful. Since September, Halyna has been leading the press service of «Zimbru».
Danyil Vereitin
