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On Saturday in Palanga, during the Taurės tournament match between Panevėžys "Ekranas" and Pakruojis "Kruoja", the new forward of "Ekranas" team, Moldovan Sergejus Pogrebanas, made his debut.
The contract for a year with the 28-year-old player was signed last week after a trial, during which he left a good impression on the club's coaches. The contract with S. Pogrebanas was the last one signed before the new football season.
"Ekranas" general director Tomas Sitnikovas is pleased with the impressive performance of the legionnaire during the first match. "Scoring two goals perfectly showed the athlete's ability to quickly adapt to the team, its pace, and style of play. We hope that S. Pogrebanas will continue to play with the same energy," said the "Ekranas" manager.
The approaching Supertaurė match prepared forward expressed feeling great within the team. "The coaches know their job well, and it is really easy to communicate with the team guys. I have already managed to become friends with everyone. I think I will really fit into the team," S. Pogrebanas exclaimed.
"Ekranas" head coach Virginijus Liubšys is convinced that this experienced player will strengthen the team's forward line. "Sergeij is a versatile player, plays excellently in both forward and midfielder positions. But I believe that he will be more beneficial to the team as a forward," said V. Liubšys.
The team's coach is satisfied with S. Pogrebanas' physical preparation, but for now, he does not want to rush to conclusions as the season is just beginning.
The legionnaire joined "Ekranas" after spending a year at Kazakhstan's "Žetisu", where he played as a right-back. Before that, three years ago, he played at Moldova's Otaci "Nistru". In 20 matches, he represented Moldova's national team in the forward position.
Participating in the training camp in Palanga with other team members, the Moldovan athlete took part in the election of the "Ekranas" captain on Saturday. Almost unanimously, last year's team captain Mantas Savėnas was re-elected. The deputies elected were Aurimas Kučys and Povilas Lukšys.
