In recent days our U13 team took part in a two-day tournament in Satu Mare, returning home with an honorable second place. Report by coach Hunor Tankó.

Last weekend we played in the 4th edition of the Partium Cup in Satu Mare. The participating teams were: Puskás Academy, Ferencvárosi TC, DAC 1904, UTE Football Academy, Király SE, Debreceni VSC, NK Osijek, FK Csíkszereda, Sepsi OSK, Marosvásárhelyi SE, Reghin Sports School, Partium Football Academy.

It was a great opportunity to compete in a high-level tournament, where not only development but also cohesion and team spirit played a key role. The 12 teams were drawn into three groups. The top two of each group advanced to the “gold bracket”, while the third and fourth places continued in the “silver bracket”. We were placed in a strong group and knew from the start that we would have to fight hard for qualification. Our group consisted of DAC 1904, FK Csíkszereda, DVSC and NK Osijek.

Our first match was against NK Osijek, where we dominated from the very beginning. We took an early lead through Alpár Albert, who then scored a second goal, and later completed his hat-trick before the final whistle. The match ended in a 3–0 victory for us – a strong performance both individually and as a team.

In our second match we faced DAC 1904. It was very tight; although the opponent had more possession, we also created chances. After DAC took the lead, we equalized through Albert Alpár again, but a late goal sealed our 2–1 defeat. The most painful moment, however, was the injury of key player Zsombor Gellér, who fractured his hand and had to undergo surgery. Thanks to the organizers, the parents, my colleague Ferenc Szin and sporting director Zoltán Dusinszki for their quick and human support. Zsombor is a true fighter, and despite his injury, he traveled home with the team and even walked out with them before the last match on Sunday.

The third match ended in a 3–0 defeat against DVSC. Fatigue and the events took their toll, though DVSC fully deserved their win. They topped the group with 9 points. Since the other three teams all had 3 points, goal difference and then goals scored decided the ranking. We had the advantage with more goals scored, finishing second and advancing to the gold bracket.

In the next stage we were grouped with Ferencvárosi TC and Partium LA. Against Ferencváros we won 1–0 thanks to Alpár Albert’s goal after pressing the goalkeeper into a mistake. With great fight and concentration, we held onto our lead.

In the match against Partium we completely controlled the game and won 2–0, with goals from Attila Kocsis (penalty) and Gellért Lukács. This secured our place in the final.

In the final we once again faced DVSC. Zsombor entered the field with the team, which brought great joy to everyone. Unfortunately, the result was the same: a 3–0 loss.

We finished in second place, and Albert Alpár was named in the tournament’s best team.

Final standings:

1. DVSC
2. FK Csíkszereda
3. Puskás Academy
4. Ferencvárosi TC
5. Partium Academy
6. UTE Football Academy
7. Sepsi OSK
8. Király SE
9. NK Osijek
10. DAC 1904
11. Reghin Sports School
12. Marosvásárhelyi SE

The boys fought incredibly hard during the two days and showed exemplary attitude. We deservedly brought home the silver medals. The result is dedicated to Zsombor, and we wish him a speedy recovery!

FK Csíkszereda squad:
Nagy Bálint, Márton Zsombor, Juhász Bendegúz, Gellér Zsombor, Mátyás Ádám, Naste Dániel, Páll Dávid, Hermann Károly, Bartha Zalán, Lukács Gellért, Tikosi Magor, Márton Balázs, Kocsis Attila, Csiszer Botond, Albert Alpár.

Head coach: Hunor Tankó
Assistant coach: Ferenc Szin