Determined to win

Female players of the Minsk FC are preparing for the ‘gold match’ of the Belarusian championship 

The climax of the Belarusian women’s football championship will unfold at the Minsk FC stadium on Mayakovsky Street on December 7th. The ‘gold match’ might not have taken place, but in the 33rd round, the Minsk FC players defeated the capital’s Dinamo-BGUFK with a score of 1:0, resulting in both teams accumulating an equal number of points — 83 each. Now the intrigue is at its peak. Will the Dinamo-BGUFK secure the championship title for the fifth consecutive time, or will the Minsk end their rivals’ dominance? We have found out what mindset the Minsk FC players are bringing to the main match of the tournament and what tactical surprises they are preparing. 

Minsk FC, training of the women's team

“On the football pitch, they are piranhas, but behind the sidelines, they are good, calm girls who support each other with words and actions,” succinctly described his team the head coach of the Minsk FC, Andrei Pyshnik. The girls have yet to show their teeth to their opponents during the game; meanwhile, we were able to witness the second part of his statement by attending a training session with the players. The girls were in excellent spirits, smiling a lot and playfully teasing each other in front of the camera.
It is hard to imagine now that at the beginning of this season, the Minsk FC women’s team had to be almost completely reformed — 12 players left the squad during the off-season! However, it can already be said that the club has managed to tackle this challenge. Andrei Pyshnik summarised the still provisional results of the season. “For the first time in 20 years, the ‘gold match’ will be held in the national championship, which means our team has done everything possible to achieve the main goal — winning the championship. The season has been quite challenging: the joy of winning the Belarusian Super Cup, the disappointment of losing in the Belarusian Cup [in both tournaments, the Minsk FC competed against the Dinamo-BGUFK] and the Champions League. Now ahead of us is the ‘gold match’. We are preparing for it without our full squad: seven players are with the national teams. Yet, we have a fighting spirit! The Dinamo-BGUFK also has players called up to the national teams. One could say that the conditions are equal. Whoever is stronger will win.”

Minsk FC, preparation for the 'gold match' against the Dinamo-BGUFC

The team’s forward, Viktoryia Tsikhan, shared how the preparation for the crucial match was going, “We are training according to a well-established cycle, with each session having its own focus. Of course, fatigue has built up; there have been many games, and we are currently in a very tough period. But we want to finish the season on a positive note!” Midfielder Liana Mirashnichenka completely agreed with Viktoryia. Both girls have been champions of Belarus as part of the Minsk FC and do not hide the fact that they want to once again experience the victorious emotions, which are beyond words. “We are only focused on winning!” Liana assured. “This year, we have slightly turned the tide against the Dinamo-BGUFK. This team has won the championship for four consecutive years, and this time we managed to put up a very good fight against them.”  
Lada Pashkouskaya, who has already scored against the Dinamo-BGUFK this season, remembers the emotions from that goal very well. She admitted that scoring against such an opponent is extremely pleasant. Reflecting on her rivals, she noted that they have quite a few good attacking players, but the Minsk has its own strengths to counter them. This includes good execution of set pieces, playing qualities, and an additional trump card — their home stadium.
“This is definitely a plus for us,” agreed midfielder Anna Godinskaya. “At our home stadium, even the walls help. I think that mums, dads, grandmas, grandpas, brothers and sisters, and friends will all come to support us!” 
It is planned that in the next season, the Minsk FC will play home matches of Belarus’ championship at the renovated Traktor Stadium, which was recently visited by the President. Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke with the coaches and players — the meeting left a lot of warm impressions on the players. “At first, it was a bit exciting, but once our conversation started, everything fell into place,” recounted Liana Mirashnichenka. “The discussion took place in a friendly atmosphere. The President shared stories and joked. He did not give us any specific advice, but he said and wrote on the ball: ‘Win!’ We have already secured one victory over the Dinamo-BGUFK since then.” Lada Pashkouskaya also believes that they can outplay their rivals once again. 

The footballer hopes that the ball signed by the President — which is now kept in the club’s museum — will indeed become the talisman for the Minsk FC. Anna Godinskaya, for her part, emphasised that the meeting with Aleksandr Lukashenko left only positive emotions, and the encounter with the Head of State greatly motivated the team ahead of one of the championship’s key matches.

“Of course, the Traktor Stadium has been significantly renovated. The pitch is superb, and the internal facilities are great too. Everything is excellent. The opening of such complexes is a big plus for Minsk. It is gratifying that the Head of State visited this sports facility and spoke with the team. He wished us to win, and we will try to keep doing that,” said Andrei Pyshnik. “I have noticed an interesting point. Towards the end of the season, the girls’ emotions had calmed down, but this meeting really inspired them. The President is a sporty person. He motivated our players and suggested areas for improvement. I think this will provide a boost of energy for many years to come.” 

Minsk FC, goalkeeper Alena Gryaznova

By Tatiana Pastushenko 

Photos by Aleksandr Kulevsky