Kotwica Kołobrzeg recently made headlines for fielding only 13 players against Stal Rzeszów, highlighting the severe staffing shortages the club is grappling with as they head through the season. The match took place on February 21, 2025, at 20:30 and drew considerable attention due to the club’s struggles.
The team, which had to travel over 900 kilometers for this tough encounter, is currently facing significant challenges due to licensing issues imposed by the Polish Football Association (PZPN). Despite the recent reinstatement of their license, Kotwica remains under strict transfer bans which severely limit their ability to recruit new players.
With only 21 players on the roster—four of whom were pushed up from the reserves—Kotwica’s coach, Piotr Tworek, found himself having to make the most of limited resources on the field. Photographers snapped images of the team during the match, with Kacper Krzepisz, the backup goalkeeper, and 18-year-old Leon Ziętek as the only substitutes available.
The club’s roster is precarious, and the recent conditions are pushing them dangerously close to the relegation zone, leaving them just one point above the drop-off threshold.
Tworek, hired on January 13, 2025, has taken the helm during these turbulent times. Under his guidance, the team aims to navigate their current challenges, though optimism appears thin against the backdrop of their performance. Prior to the match against Stal Rzeszów, Kotwica managed only to scrape through with a 1-1 draw against Stal Stalowa Wola, which some fans celebrated as fortunate, especially since the equalizer came at the last minute.
The staffing situation has raised eyebrows, with critics highlighting the historic rarity of such a depleted lineup appearing at the first league level. Media reports have characterized the club's efforts to field even one full squad as admirable, but the underlying issues create skepticism about their ability to sustain performance as the season progresses.
Many fans are left wondering whether the current squad can hold off relegation with such limited resources. The perilous path forward means every match could be pivotal for the club's future.