Domžale take Slovenian indoor title

NK Domžale made some amends for a disappointing autumn campaign in Slovenia by winning the traditional winter indoor title, denying hosts and league leaders NK Maribor with a 12-5 victory in the final.

Badzim pleased
Despite a partisan crowd in Maribor, coach Vlado Badzim – who won the competition with FC Koper last season – led Domžale to an emphatic success in the decider. "This is my first trophy with Domžale so I am very satisfied with this tournament," said Badzim. "Our players were relaxed but also very disciplined. They were fast and strong in man-to-man duels. Now we have to prepare for the second part of the title race."

Title race
The tournament is contested by the ten 1. Liga sides and the two top teams in the second division. Domžale defeated NK Gorica 2-1 in one semi-final with Maribor defeating NK Olimpija Ljubljana in the other. Maribor's Zoran Pavlovič was named the most valuable player of the tournament, while Domžale's Nejc Vidmar took the top goalkeeper honour. Maribor top the Slovenian table at the winter break, with Domžale 14 points adrift in sixth as they bid for a third successive title. The season resumes on 21 February.