FLAMENGO'S RIVAL IN THE NBB LOSES ITS MAIN PLAYER

For everything he experienced on the court, Olivinha is one of Flamengo's greatest idols. In FlaBasquete, he appears as the big figure, even represented by an organized fan flag. The God of Race is the only player in the club's history to win both World Cups won by the team in the sport. His importance is so valued that he will become the only athlete outside football to receive an important honor.

Like great names in football, Olivinha will receive a bust in his honor, and it will be displayed at the Flamengo Museum , in Gávea, according to the newspaper O Globo. It is the first time that a basketball player has received this type of honor at the club, which is very common with football players.

At the main entrance to Gávea, there are busts of Raul, Leandro, Marinho, Moer, Júnior, Andrade, Nunes, Adílio and Lico. Furthermore, Zico has some statues, such as one at the entrance to the Ninho do Urubu football complex. The tributes are all to the stars of the 80s who marked their time at Rubro-Negro. Now, Olivinha enters that same shelf upon receiving the bust, perpetuating herself as an eternal FlaBasquete idol.

The object has already been ordered and should be close to the idols of 1981. The tribute is prepared by the sculptor Eduardo Santos, which is already producing the item at the request of Flamengo.

Olivinha retired at the end of last season for FlaBasquete

The FlaBasquete idol retired at the end of last season. Olivinha announced that she would stop playing after the end of the NBB, which mobilized the team to try to reach the decision and win the cup, honoring the star's legacy.

However, despite reaching the final, the The team was unable to overcome Franca, finishing runner-up and Olivinha had to say a painful but emotional goodbye.

After retirement, Olivinha was given a program on Fla TV. The ‘Lance Livre’ mentions basketball, but it is not just about that topic, but rather a review of the former player with a red-and-black guest. In the premiere, for example, the character chosen was the singer Naldo Benny.

Flamengo will face Grêmio in Porto Alegre, but an important absence has already been confirmed: Gabigol, one of the team's main attackers, will not travel with the red-black delegation. The player will remain in Rio de Janeiro, where he will focus on improving his physical form. The decision not to take the striker to the capital of Rio Grande do Sul aims to ensure that he has enough time to dedicate himself to physical preparation at Ninho do Urubu, the club's training center. Although there is no confirmed injury, Flamengo appears to be taking precautions to avoid wear and tear that could compromise the remainder of the season.

This choice may surprise some fans, as Gabigol is one of the team's key players and, generally, an undisputed starter in decisive matches. The absence of Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, raises questions about how Flamengo should arm the team offensively for the clash. Despite Gabigol's absence, Flamengo has alternatives in attack, with players like Pedro and Bruno Henrique, who can take the lead. The expectation is that the coach will use these options to compensate for the striker's absence.

The decision to spare Gabigol may be related to the club's long-term planning. Flamengo faces a marathon of important games, and the physical recovery of its athletes becomes essential to maintain performance in simultaneous competitions. According to information released by Mauro Cezar, Gabigol is focused on improving his physical side. This could mean that the player has been feeling the wear and tear accumulated throughout the season.

Flamengo has adopted a strategy of preserving some of its main players at certain times, aiming to avoid injuries that could sideline them for long periods of time. periods. This preventive measure is common in clubs that compete in several competitions and have a tight schedule. With this, the idea is that the athlete returns in better condition, ready to perform at a higher level in the next matches.