The Throne Is Filled

The chaos surrounding the Serbian Water Polo Team has finally found its resolution. After Uroš Stevanović stepped down, handing in his resignation in a move that shook the sporting world, the Serbian Water Polo Federation has named his successor. Enter Vladimir Vujasinović. The legend returns to the bench, not just as a name on a roster, but as the architect of a new era for the Delfini.

A Hall of Fame Resume

Let’s talk about pedigree. Vujasinović isn’t just a coach; he is a living monument to the sport. As a player, he wore the captain’s armband for a golden generation that dominated the world despite the heavy sanctions of the 1990s. His trophy cabinet reads like a history textbook: four World Championship golds? No, wait—four European Championship titles (2001, 2003, 2006), a World Championship gold in 2005, plus silver and bronze medals. He hoarded 37 club trophies, including four Champions League titles with giants like Barcelona, Pro Recco, and Partizan.

From Assistant to Commander

He didn’t just play the game; he studied its conquests. Vujasinović served as an assistant to Dejan Savić during the most dominant period in Serbian water polo history. Think Rio 2016 Olympic gold. Think Kazan 2015 World Championship. Think back-to-back European titles. He was there, in the war room, helping orchestrate the victories. Now, he commands the ship alone.

The Road to Italy

The federation is betting everything on his authority and knowledge. "We are convinced Vujasinović will contribute to the further development and achievement of the highest goals," the federation stated. He won’t be doing it alone. His staff includes Miloš Korolija and Sergej Šveljo as assistant coaches, alongside medical experts Đorđe Ivančević, Goran Lončar, and physiotherapist Dragan Parandilović.

The clock starts ticking on June 16 in Belgrade. That’s when the national team gathers for the first time under their new leader. The target? The Mediterranean Games in Italy, scheduled for late August. The Delfini are rebuilding, and they’re doing it with a legend at the helm.