I want us to bring joy to the fans
Monday, December 15, 2025
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Shakhtar Stalevi head coach Bohdan Bilko reflects on the bronze medals, the competitiveness of the championship and progress
– Bohdan, Shakhtar Stalevi became the bronze medallists of the first amputee football championship in Ukraine’s history. What emotions are you experiencing now and are you satisfied with the outcome?
– This is a very important result and valuable in its own way. We celebrate every victory and they are all equally significant for our lads because for some this is their first such experience in life and something that motivates them to keep moving forward. Defeats are also important, as they provide additional motivation and contribute to development. As for the result, of course, we always strive to win and are very demanding of ourselves. The team prepared and aimed for a slightly different outcome, so we will continue working and move towards the championship title. The match situation throughout the tournament sometimes worked in our favour and sometimes against us, but the most important thing is that the lads showed resilience and brought joy to their loved ones.
– Shakhtar Stalevi faced Khrestonostsi and Nezlamni in the final round of the competition. What were those matches like?
– I can say that, despite the difficulty, the team produced a well-structured performance. The match that determined our position in the standings was not easy, but the lads scored the only goal, which took us to third spot. However, the most important thing is that the footballers pulled themselves together psychologically at a critical moment of the match, scored and kept a clean sheet, as they were very eager to win.
– How have the team changed since their debut in the championship?
– I will put it this way: there has been a step forward in certain aspects of play, but there are moments I’m not satisfied with, as I want the quality to improve and the game to be more entertaining. However, the experience of matches and victories is something new for some players. Ultimately, the fact that they have gone through this long journey in full and did not drop out is a significant achievement. Above all, a victory for me lies in teaching people who had not previously played football to play and win, instilling a winners’ mentality in them.
– Every match of the championship was intense and emotional. How do you assess the level of competitiveness of the championship and what are the prospects for the development of amputee football?
– I would note that the teams progressed primarily over the course of the championship. In the opening rounds, the sides displayed one level of play, while clear progress was evident in the subsequent matches, along with improvements in the quality of play. A defining feature of the championship is the fight until the final second in every match; no team had it easy. Speaking about our opponents, it was difficult for us against all clubs, regardless of their position in the standings, as everyone showed character, which sometimes is more important than technical level. As for the prospects of amputee football, I believe the number of teams will grow and, accordingly, the level of the championship as well. Our sides are worthy of competing with European representatives. A particular feature is that around 90% of squad members are military personnel, who are demonstrating rapid progress and this is very important.
– What is known about the nearest plans?
– The team are going on a break. The lads need to rest from the intense training process and the emotional strain, reset and spend time with their families. During this period, we will maintain fitness, and the players will have the opportunity to get together and play for themselves, for enjoyment. We will continue to support the team throughout the break and prepare for the next matches and competitions. In addition to the competitive aspect, it is important to ensure the footballers remain active so that they stay in good condition.
– Throughout the team’s entire journey in the championship, the fans’ support was clearly felt. What would you like to say to them?
– Our fans are champions, and the team wish to keep working in order to be on the level of champions. I would like to sincerely thank the fans for their support because wherever we played, we felt it. Thank you to our ultras, who are also military personnel, for their protection, service and support. I want us to bring joy to the fans, and for them to be witnesses to our victories.
– This is a very important result and valuable in its own way. We celebrate every victory and they are all equally significant for our lads because for some this is their first such experience in life and something that motivates them to keep moving forward. Defeats are also important, as they provide additional motivation and contribute to development. As for the result, of course, we always strive to win and are very demanding of ourselves. The team prepared and aimed for a slightly different outcome, so we will continue working and move towards the championship title. The match situation throughout the tournament sometimes worked in our favour and sometimes against us, but the most important thing is that the lads showed resilience and brought joy to their loved ones.
– Shakhtar Stalevi faced Khrestonostsi and Nezlamni in the final round of the competition. What were those matches like?
– I can say that, despite the difficulty, the team produced a well-structured performance. The match that determined our position in the standings was not easy, but the lads scored the only goal, which took us to third spot. However, the most important thing is that the footballers pulled themselves together psychologically at a critical moment of the match, scored and kept a clean sheet, as they were very eager to win.
– How have the team changed since their debut in the championship?
– I will put it this way: there has been a step forward in certain aspects of play, but there are moments I’m not satisfied with, as I want the quality to improve and the game to be more entertaining. However, the experience of matches and victories is something new for some players. Ultimately, the fact that they have gone through this long journey in full and did not drop out is a significant achievement. Above all, a victory for me lies in teaching people who had not previously played football to play and win, instilling a winners’ mentality in them.
– Every match of the championship was intense and emotional. How do you assess the level of competitiveness of the championship and what are the prospects for the development of amputee football?
– I would note that the teams progressed primarily over the course of the championship. In the opening rounds, the sides displayed one level of play, while clear progress was evident in the subsequent matches, along with improvements in the quality of play. A defining feature of the championship is the fight until the final second in every match; no team had it easy. Speaking about our opponents, it was difficult for us against all clubs, regardless of their position in the standings, as everyone showed character, which sometimes is more important than technical level. As for the prospects of amputee football, I believe the number of teams will grow and, accordingly, the level of the championship as well. Our sides are worthy of competing with European representatives. A particular feature is that around 90% of squad members are military personnel, who are demonstrating rapid progress and this is very important.
– What is known about the nearest plans?
– The team are going on a break. The lads need to rest from the intense training process and the emotional strain, reset and spend time with their families. During this period, we will maintain fitness, and the players will have the opportunity to get together and play for themselves, for enjoyment. We will continue to support the team throughout the break and prepare for the next matches and competitions. In addition to the competitive aspect, it is important to ensure the footballers remain active so that they stay in good condition.
– Throughout the team’s entire journey in the championship, the fans’ support was clearly felt. What would you like to say to them?
– Our fans are champions, and the team wish to keep working in order to be on the level of champions. I would like to sincerely thank the fans for their support because wherever we played, we felt it. Thank you to our ultras, who are also military personnel, for their protection, service and support. I want us to bring joy to the fans, and for them to be witnesses to our victories.