The Uster Samurai have once again proven that they are one of the best judo clubs in Switzerland. Under the leadership of coach Ran Grünenfelder, the team traveled to the Final 4 tournament in Geneva as leaders of the National League A – and there there were thrilling battles and goosebumps moments.
Show of strength in the semi-final against the defending champions
In the semi-finals, Uster faced the challenge of defeating the reigning champions and hosts Geneva in front of their home crowd. After the draw there was hope in Uster, because Geneva seemed to have made a mistake with the seeding list in the -90 kg weight class. Presumably out of respect for the strong Philipp Koch from Uster, the Geneva team sent their fighter to the +100 kg class and placed a U18 young fighter in the -90 kg category.
With world champion Nils Stump on the team as an almost certainty, it was clear that Uster needed three more wins in the remaining seven weight classes. But after the first four fights, Uster was already 1:3 behind and Geneva had four match points.
Nahuum Schönenberger brings about the turnaround thanks to his outstanding intuition
Then a real firework of excitement followed: Igor Mbakom made short work of his opponent, who was 40 kilos lighter, and reduced the score to 2:3. When Nahuum Schönenberger, a young hope from Arashi Yama Wil in the ranks of Uster in the -66 kg category, overwhelmed the internationally successful Stevan Maitin after over six minutes of extra time thanks to a lightning reaction, the team burst into cheers – the hope of the final was alive on.
Finally, Siro Stump didn’t give Geneva’s U18 talent Lorenzo Enz the slightest chance and secured Uster’s place in the final with a 4-3 win.
Hard-fought final against record champions Brugg
In the final, the record champions Brugg were waiting with the best line-up. Despite a courageous performance, the Uster Samurai lost 2:5. The end result seemed clearer than the individual fights actually were, because Uster fought passionately in every duel and gave the fans hope until the end. Every fight could have ended in Uster’s favor, but the reality in the end was different.
The Uster Samurai are returning to the Oberland as proud vice-Swiss champions.
The hunt for the title continues in 2025. The contracts with the main squad could all be extended with a view to the future and the first important transfers that will position Uster as a title candidate again have already been completed.
Congratulations to the entire team for this impressive success!
