Although the Budapest Cowbells have opened the Hungarian Football League season with two straight losses, the season has still produced some gems so far.
One of them is 21 year old defensive back Zoltan Golita who has become a bright light for the two-time Hungarian champions.
The Cowbells did not sign any imports this season, so that their younger players and rookies have more chances to see playing time in the Hungarian Football League. Zoltán Golita left his excellent junior years behind him with a by helping the junior Cowbells win a championship trophy in 2018. His senior years also have a lot in store for him. He could even make the Hungarian National Team. Although the defensive back played in the HFL before, he now had the chance to take another step in his exciting career.
“This season I became a team captain. It is a great honor, but also a big responsibility. Throughout the years I always got higher and higher on the ladder. Junior team, Division I, then the HFL. The Cowbells’ program is the best in the country because the goal is to help develop the younger players until they reach the level of the first league.”
Photo: Hidvégi János Gábor
Golita’s performance has been outstanding this season. In two games, he produced some of the best numbers on the defense with 12 tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 interception. Thus, he seems to be in good shape. Although the majority of the Cowbells players did not play in 2020 due to the pandemic, the young defensive back took the opportunity to play in another country, the Czech Republic.
“I did not sit out the last season. During the spring of 2020 we were preparing for the season start at full steam, but COVID kicked in. However, I had the opportunity to play in the Czech Republic as the player of the Ostrava Steelers. We could play the majority of the regular season. Unfortunately, the season was cancelled before it finished because of the panademic. Nevertheless, I think I still need to improve.”
Photo: Hidvégi János Gábor
The Budapest Cowbells are still not in a good position in the HFL heading into Sunday’s game. To advance to the post season, a win is a must for the capital city team. It will not be easy because an offensively strong Győr Sharks will visit them in Budapest.
“A lot of experienced players decided to retire and that is why the average of the age has dropped. Many players from the 2018 junior champion team are playing their first season in the HFL. However, I am still convinced that we can make it to the next round. Just everyone have to do their jobs on the field perfectly.”
The Cowbells showed improvement in their loss to the Budapest Wolves. They can prove how much they have improved when they face a tough Győr Sharks team on Sunday.