Time to make Tijuca a real melting pot
Players call on Flamengo fans to compete for the sixth Rio de Janeiro championship
By From the official website team - in
Flamengo fans like to call the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium a cauldron, due to its size, the heat, and the pressure the fans can put on their opponents when the Red-Black team plays on that court. This Wednesday (December 15.12), they'll have another chance to add some spice to this cauldron and be the sixth player on coach Paulo Chupeta's team. The team from Gávea faces the home team in the first match of the State Basketball Championship final and is counting on the support of their fans to pave the way for the sixth title.
With 35 titles, Flamengo, the most successful team in Rio de Janeiro basketball history, has forged a special relationship with its fans in recent years. Since winning the 2005 State Championship, defeating favorite Telemar, the team has been racking up not only success but also the admiration of its fans, who have come to closely follow and understand basketball. For this, coach Paulo Chupeta is grateful and predicts a bustling gymnasium soon.
"After Marcelo arrived in 2007, with current president Patricia Amorim as vice president of Olympic sports, the team was assembled and strengthened. They began to compete on equal terms with their opponents, and the fans started to follow suit. Today, we only have basketball fans who understand and support us, and that's a great thing. They make a difference and will do so again against Tijuca," said the coach.
Another Flamengo fan, Marcelinho Machado began his career as a youngster at Gávea, but left the club without playing professionally. However, he couldn't end his career without returning to Flamengo, which he did four seasons ago. Since his return, he has won numerous titles, become a leader of the group, and, above all, experienced the thrill of playing alongside his fans.
"It's different, without a doubt. It's great to walk into any gym in Brazil and see your fans there. Everything we've won is thanks to us, but also to the fans, who have supported us immensely and continue to support us. We do everything we can to give back on the court. In last Sunday's game, for example, against Pinheiros, we were upset that we didn't respond as well on the court to their encouragement. We got a reaction, but not the victory, even so, they kept applauding and singing...", added the number 4.
Flamengo and Tijuca begin the 2010 Rio de Janeiro Basketball Championship final at 8 p.m. at the Tijuca gymnasium. The team from Gávea is seeking its sixth consecutive title, dating back to 2005. The second leg of the final will take place on Thursday (12/15), also at 8 p.m., at the gymnasium of the team from the north zone. Tickets cost R$10. Fans wearing Flamengo shirts pay R$5.
With 35 titles, Flamengo, the most successful team in Rio de Janeiro basketball history, has forged a special relationship with its fans in recent years. Since winning the 2005 State Championship, defeating favorite Telemar, the team has been racking up not only success but also the admiration of its fans, who have come to closely follow and understand basketball. For this, coach Paulo Chupeta is grateful and predicts a bustling gymnasium soon.
"After Marcelo arrived in 2007, with current president Patricia Amorim as vice president of Olympic sports, the team was assembled and strengthened. They began to compete on equal terms with their opponents, and the fans started to follow suit. Today, we only have basketball fans who understand and support us, and that's a great thing. They make a difference and will do so again against Tijuca," said the coach.
Another Flamengo fan, Marcelinho Machado began his career as a youngster at Gávea, but left the club without playing professionally. However, he couldn't end his career without returning to Flamengo, which he did four seasons ago. Since his return, he has won numerous titles, become a leader of the group, and, above all, experienced the thrill of playing alongside his fans.
"It's different, without a doubt. It's great to walk into any gym in Brazil and see your fans there. Everything we've won is thanks to us, but also to the fans, who have supported us immensely and continue to support us. We do everything we can to give back on the court. In last Sunday's game, for example, against Pinheiros, we were upset that we didn't respond as well on the court to their encouragement. We got a reaction, but not the victory, even so, they kept applauding and singing...", added the number 4.
Flamengo and Tijuca begin the 2010 Rio de Janeiro Basketball Championship final at 8 p.m. at the Tijuca gymnasium. The team from Gávea is seeking its sixth consecutive title, dating back to 2005. The second leg of the final will take place on Thursday (12/15), also at 8 p.m., at the gymnasium of the team from the north zone. Tickets cost R$10. Fans wearing Flamengo shirts pay R$5.