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Vladimir Afanasyev: I remember Banishevski as careful and beautiful man

14 August 2007 10:17 (UTC +04:00)

â€œNeftchiâ€ played special role in the development of Soviet football

Nijegorodsk Football Federation and â€œProvoljyeâ€ Regional Football Union president Vladimir Afanasyevâ€™s interview for APA-Sport
- Vladimir Ivanovich, what can you say about memorial Banishevski tournament in Nijni Novgorod?
When Regional National Autonomy of Azerbaijanis made proposal on holding football tournament in memory of Anatoly Banishevski we accepted it with great pleasure as football genius contributed football much. He played for USSR team in world and European championships. In the same time â€œNeftchiâ€ played special role in the development of soviet football. This team was popular both with former Soviet Union and Azerbaijan. We would like the youth to play football. They will become good footballers of Russia national team in the future.
- Did Banishevski visit Nijni Novgorod ever?
- No. He did not. Despite this I remember him very well. As a member of â€œZaryaâ€ of Lugansk I knew him. We were champion at that time. We held trainings together with â€œNeftchiâ€ then. I remember him thoughtful and beautiful man. He is loved and respected as a man and footballer in Baku.
- Could this tournament become traditional and what kind of assistance you can render?
- It is the first tournament. It is always difficult to organize first tournament. We are very happy to see veterans attending the tournament. We would like Russian veterans to participate in a such tournament in Baku in the future. It will maintain relations between two countries. We were the members of one family in the past. wee should try to improve friendship relations between two countries.
- Is there Azerbaijani member of Nijegorodsk football teams?
- â€œAzeriâ€ team which is consisted of Azerbaijanis struggle in local championship. They play well. Local teams enjoy playing against â€œAzeriâ€. The footballers have no problems with their nationality.
- Which local teams are participating in the championship of Russia?
-We have â€œVolgaâ€ team. It is playing in the second league (Ural-Povoljye). We set the goal to gain the right for first division. We intend to participate in premier league. Volga and â€œLokomotivâ€ competed in high league of USSR in the past. Many things depend on city authority.
-Do Azerbaijani footballers have perspective to get the invitation from â€œVolgaâ€?
There number of Azerbaijani footballers playing for our teams is not big. If such tournaments are held often local Azerbaijanis will join our teams. /APA-Sport/
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