Cezary Polak has been called up to the Poland U-21 national team
Head coach Miłosz Stępiński will want to test the player from Żelechów in two Elite League matches. The white and reds will play against Portugal in Łomża on September 8th, and against Germany in Legnica on September 11th.
"I've had a few good years playing in the youth teams of Sęp. Those were great times. We always had a cohesive team. I remember exciting indoor tournaments in Sobolew, as well as in our hometown Żelechów. I'll never forget our promotion to the Mazowiecka league, where we could finally compete with Wilga Garwolin. I am grateful to everyone who works for Sęp for the development opportunities, especially the coaches who guided me. Initially, my trainer was Tomasz Gugała, and then Cezary Krzyśpiak" says Polak
As he admits, from a young age, he could always be found with a ball at his feet. "To be honest, when I started attending my first trainings at Sęp, my dream was to play like the grown-up boys. I hoped that one day I would make my debut in adult football. I had no idea about playing soccer professionally. At that time, it was hard to believe that Czarek from Nowy Kębłów could play football as a profession. After moving from Sęp to Wilga Garwolin, I got an opportunity to attend a sports school in Warsaw. My parents immediately decided that it was a good time to try my hand in a larger center. At that time, I wasn't too fond of the idea. I was only 13, and I had to live without my parents. I decided to take a risk. I went to a different place. Fortunately, I adapted quickly. I missed my loved ones, but on the other hand, I knew I was taking a good step in my football journey" he adds.
Polak made his debut for the Poland national team this year. He started in the white-and-red colors in the Elite League match against the Czech Republic. "At first, there was definitely shock, and it didn't really sink in. After sleeping on those thoughts, wondering if it was even true, it hit me that all the hard work and dedication in every match and training was worth it. After all, the national team coach must have seen something in me" he recalls his first call-up to the squad.
Since this season, the 20-year-old has been playing for Kotwica Kołobrzeg. In the II league, he played six matches, appearing from the first to the last minute in competitive games. Additionally, he received four yellow cards.
Author: Mateusz Połynka, Twój Głos