Leszek (Shek) Borkowski

Returned from Belek, Turkey where we trained twice a day for 3 weeks. Made good progress in team building, defensive tactics and general fitness. Between sessions, team meetings, individual meetings, videos, had no time to post any updates (sorry to all who wrote to me asking for updates).
Saw Russia U-19s tie 0-0 and lose 0-1 to Turkey. Our match aganst Russia U-19 was canceled because of storms. Played Luwin from Switzerland. Good goals scored by Kurochkina (she just can’t stop scoring) and Apanashenko.
Ksenia Tsybutovich and Masha Dyachkova are like sponges and improving tactically every day. Truntaeva is a warrior, working hard despite cuts, pulls and bruises. Nadia Baranova finally joined us after a surgery and rehab in Germany. She looks fit and her rehab seems ahead of schedule.
Our last night in Belek was marked by a major dance production, directed and choreographed by Kurochkina. She can also dance! I am debating whether to post a 15 minute video of the event.
Wednesday we leave for Kislovodsk, located between the Black and Caspian seas, for high altitude training. Back to Turkey for 2 weeks and hopefully 4 matches in March.
Fatima Leyva and Jessica O’Rourke signed 2 year contracts with Zvezda and moved into their apartment yesterday. Still awaiting arrival of Chiejine and Busi.
We are still 2-3 players away from being a major force in Europe.