by Mantas Aliukonis
Fourteen rounds into the A Lyga season, FK Banga Gargždai sit 8th out of 10—15 points from 14 games, with four wins, three draws, and seven losses. For a club that lifted the Lithuanian Cup less than a year ago, it’s been a sobering return to the grind of domestic football. But ask sports director and former captain Robertas Vėževičius whether the spirit has faded, and he’ll tell you the opposite.
“We’re not where we want to be yet, but this is a young team,” Vėževičius told Baltic Football News. “We’re building something, and I think we’re still on the right path. With this squad, we’ll surprise people again. Maybe even shock a few.”
Following the Cup triumph and entry into European competition, Banga started preseason early, bringing in fresh faces and holding training camps in Cyprus and Latvia. The intention was clear: to build cohesion and readiness ahead of what would be a more demanding campaign. “We started in early January—maybe a bit earlier than others. The goal was to build team chemistry. Many new faces came in. We’re still learning each other, still evolving,” said Vėževičius. Yet the step forward has been uneven. Losses have outnumbered wins, and a few disappointing home performances have stirred concern. Still, he insists that the foundations are solid, even if the results haven’t consistently shown it.
“What matters now is desire and motivation. Last fall in Kaunas, we showed what heart looks like. Nobody believed in us then, either.”
Not everything about the preseason went according to plan. The trip to Cyprus was later clouded by rumors circulating around match-fixing in some friendlies—a development Vėževičius addressed bluntly. “It’s unpleasant, no doubt,” he said. “When a club’s name is linked to thrown games, it damages everyone. It brought nothing positive.” Despite the noise, the focus remained on physical preparation and squad integration, especially as several new players were being evaluated.
One of the key departures from last season was striker Valdas Paulauskas, whose absence left a gap in the forward line. In response, Banga brought in Latvian striker Aivars Emsis to lead the line and creative midfielder Rokas Filipavičius to operate behind him, supported by wide players Vaidas Magdušauskas and Aaron Olugbogi. “Emsis is our main striker, Filipavičius operates behind him. They’re still adapting, but the potential is clear,” Vėževičius said. “Someone needs to step up and lead—not just with goals, but with presence.” Olugbogi, a 23-year-old Nigerian winger, is among the most intriguing additions to the side. Yet for Vėževičius, team culture always trumps individual flair. “Other clubs chase names. We chase chemistry. Last year proved that heart beats hype.”
Reinforcements are still on the agenda. Vėževičius confirmed the club is in the market for a defensive midfielder and possibly another center-back, though he’s adamant that there’s no need to rush. “We’re still looking. But no panic buys. The season is long, and the summer window gives us time,” he said. The club’s upcoming European campaign, earned through last season’s Cup success, adds further complexity. The board is preparing for the UEFA Conference League’s qualications with a modestly increased budget—around €500,000. “If we’re moved to the second round, great—but we’ll be ready either way”.
Since the interview, Banga were confirmed to start their UEFA Conference League qualification campaign from the second round.
On the goalkeeping front, Mantas Bertašius, who briefly missed time in preseason, is back in action, while veteran Armantas Vitkauskas was signed to add competition and leadership. “It’s a strong pairing. We trust them both. Bertašius is recovering well, and Armantas has been great in the locker room,” Vėževičius noted.
For all the noise surrounding their current league position, Vėževičius remains grounded. He knows where Banga stands, but he also knows what the club stands for. “It’s not about one player. Not even one match. Our star is the team. We work hard, stay humble, and keep dreaming—quietly, the way we always have in Gargždai.” There’s still time to climb—and if there’s one thing Banga has proved, it’s that underestimating them is always a mistake.
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