Financial difficulties sees Punosevac depart Lions

LIMERICK LIONS will be without their coach, Sasa Punosevac, for the remainder of the season after their partnership ended by “mutual consent” at Christmas.

Punosevac, who hails from Serbia, is one of the most colourful personalities in Irish basketball. He coached DART Killester and then Neptune before going on to coach the women’s national team.

This season he has been coaching both the NIVEA for Men SuperLeague side, Limerick Lions, and the former women’s SuperLeague and cup champions, UL Aughinish.

But it was confirmed yesterday that he will no longer coach the Lions, according to club chairman, John King.

“The decision to part company was on account of financial difficulties that we have been encountering,” King said. “We operate through the generosity of a number of small sponsors and we have had difficulty getting cheques in the door — it can be traced to the state of the general economy at the moment.

“We have to cut our cloth to measure. We don’t want to end up with a huge debt at the end of the season.

“We sat down with Sasa and discussed the situation and the problems surrounding it.”

They were due to meet with the players last night to discuss the coaching arrangements for the remainder of the season but it appears certain they will confirm later today that the coaching duties will be carried out by two coaches from within the club.

“My understanding is that we will coach from within the club structure and we have a couple of lads in mind,” King said. “We will have a chat with the players this evening.”

They face an enormous task tomorrow evening when they play host to high flying DART Killester who lead the Northern Conference with just one defeat. Their problems will not be helped by the fact that they may have to line out without Irish international Scott Kinevane who has been out for six weeks with an ankle injury.

DART are still without the services of Kieran O’Brien while Michael Bonaparte is struggling with flu.

Coach Stephen McCarthy will be hoping to see signs of light after last weekend’s disastrous outing against neighbours, UCC Demons, when Neptune travel to Tralee to play Abrakebabra Tigers tomorrow night.

McCarthy will have Michael McGinn back to fill the huge gap he left behind him when he went on holidays last weekend

Tigers continue to be without Kerry football stars, Kieran Donaghy and Micheál Quirke but will be boosted by the return of Ger Myles.

UCC Demons coach Douglas Leichner will be happy if they can maintain their winning run against DCU Saints who created the upset of the SuperLeague so far when they beat DART Killester.

Demons are nursing minor injuries but Michael Plichta and Brian O’Neill should be fit.

Coach Leichner said: “The addition of the talented Dave Murphy has added quality depth to our squad.”

Saints will be without Martin Provizors due to work commitments, while Eoin Darling is doubtful with a foot injury.

UCD/Marian were one of the most improved sides in 2008 and start the New Year with a tough tie at home to Belfast Star. Marian are worrying over the fitness of US player Michael Parker, who is struggling with a knee injury.

Star are still without the services of Chris Butler as they look to make a late surge towards the play-offs.

In the women’s Superleague, DCU Mercy host Waterford Wildcats on Sunday, as Mark Ingle looks to maintain the form that sees the Dubliners lead the pack along with Team Montenotte Hotel Cork, who face what could prove a tricky clash away to Cork rivals LeisureWorld Churchfield Iona, while UL Aughinish welcome Meteors to the UL Arena tomorrow.