Ex-Rudes Midfielder was one of the best players in the HNL + Bosnia national player.
On Sunday morning in Gradski Vrt, 2 new additions were presented: 24 year old Karlo Kamenar, who arrives from Rudes and 20-year old Stjepan Radeljic, who had previously worn the VfB Stuttgart second team jersey. Both of them signed a 4-year contract and sports director Alen Petrovic said the following about the whole deal:
“Kamenar had once played for our young National team and, during the past season, got the title of the Best player in the HNL. We are happy to have him with us here and we aren’t doubting for a second that he will bolster our ranks.”
“I accepted without hesitation”
The NK Osijek squad weren’t the only ones who eagerly awaited Kamenar’s arrival.
“There were other offers, but the moment I heard NK Osijek wanting me, I jumped at the opportunity. I know that a fabulous team awaits me there and that the competition will be tough, but I believe in my ability to hold my own.” Kamenar emphasized.
Stellar Games for Rudes
The suggestion for Karlo’s arrival was easy to be made, due to his performance during the past season. In 32 championship matches, he scored 5 goals and assisted 6 goals. “My time in Rudes was so good that I wouldn’t mind playing the same season with the exact same results again. I am aware that playing for Osijek won’t be the same as it was to play in Rudes. The pressure is a lot higher, but I am ready. I have the presence of mind and body to withstand any pressure.” The young midfielder said.
Kamenar talked about his career in general, saying that he was born in Zagreb, played in the younger age groups in Dinamo, but that things changed. He had gone to Lokomotiva and played one season in the 3rd league, after which he arrived in Rudes and now, finally, in Osijek.
Rudes’ first match was in Gradski Vrt
Karlo fondly remembers the 2017 first-ever league match Rudes played in Gradski Vrt, saying the following:
“Rudes played his first ever league match in Osijek, playing a 1-1 tie where he got lucky as the scorer. Victories are, however, the priority when it comes to Osijek.”
A tough challenge will be playing in European matches.
“I look forward to it. It would be good if Osijek had the same results they had during the last qualifiers, maybe even better ones. I really hope we do good. Lots of players are around my age here and I look forward to storming the pitch with them!”
Radeljic sees Osijek as a big challenge
Stjepan Radeljic is in a different predicament than Kamenar. His path led him to Germany when he was only 19 years old and now he wants to show his worth in the HNL. Petrovic said the following about the young player:
“Radeljic is a premier squad member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national team and I can safely say that we kept an eye on him during the past season. We got to watch him play at least 4-5 times and watched as he improved in Stuttgart’s second team. It’s clear that the Bundesliga is a difficult place to rise in the ranks, but we think that Radeljic is a peculiar player with lots of hidden potential. It’s up to him to prove that and the pitch remains the only place to expose one’s strengths and weaknesses.”
A Huge Leap in a Career
Radeljic is 1,98m tall and plays as on the back position, having shown promise in B&H’s U-21 division.
“I began to play for Novi Travnik, where I was born, transitioning into NK Vitez where I played for 2 years. I went to Zrinjski before Stuttgart called me. There, I played for their 2nd team in the 4th league, but that wasn’t enough for me. This opportunity that Osijek is giving me is a huge leap in my career. The moment I heard that Osijek wants me on their team, I didn’t really have any doubts that I’ll end up there. I know that Osijek holds their organization to a high standard and that they shoot for the moon.”
A Prime Header
The HNL is not an unknown to him and he believes that he’ll do well against the best.
“I follow the HNL fervently. The football played is very serious and dangerous and I’m ready for it. I always love a good challenge.” Radeljic proclaimed.
Considering his height, it’s clear that Stjepan will be adept at defensive tasks, but also in the enemy box. He said:
“I love to play free kicks, I love being in the air, which is my strength due to my good headers. I want to confirm my spot in Osijek and I believe that I’ll manage just that” he concluded.
