Muhamed Bikić: Once Journalist, forever Journalist!

Born on May 23^rd 1973 in Sarajevo, where he finished elementary and high school, and then graduated from the Faculty of Law in Sarajevo. Mr.Bikić finished master studies at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, on the topic “Attitudes and personal traits of national team players in team sports and of sports journalists in BiH”, also in Sarajevo. He is one of the founders of the idea of sports law in BiH, and his master thesis was precisely about that, where he sublimed sports, law, journalism and psychology. He is a longtime sports journalist in written and electronic media.

1. Loyal readers know you as an extraordinary journalist and connoisseur of sports, both in BiH and in the world. Moreover, they know you for the books you have written and for the show “As exkluziv”. Can you tell us how your love for sports was born and when you started doing shows?

I have been in this job since I was a student and I have always loved sports and football. I was almost a rising star for Željezničar, of Igman from Ilidža. However, spending five continuous years in the army impacted on my sporting career. Truth is, I used to imagine myself as a good attorney, but I never managed to definitely decide and say ‘enough’ to journalism and go to an office. The unwritten rule is that attorneys are the best journalists, and there is also the famous saying ‘once a journalist, always a journalist’. I started editing and hosting shows on Hayat TV: “Sportski vremeplov” and “Hayat Sport”, and now on TV Alfa “As exkluziv”. In terms of other electronic media, I was working for TV Sarajevo and I worked in printed media for “Dnevni avaz”, “Ljiljan” and in “Avaz sport” where I still work. I also write for the web portal “Al Jazeera Balkans”. I have written books such as “Hadžijsko drvo”, “Po(r)uka” and “sportskivremeplov.ba”.

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2. In the show “As exkluziv” you had an opportunity to talk to many famous individuals from the world of sports. Can you single out two of the most important shows and share details with our readers?

So far, I have hosted 115 episodes of the show. It all started with the legendary Ivica Osim, then there was Safet Sušić who left for Mundial in Brazil almost straight from the studio, then Mehmed Baždarević, who told his life story in “As exkluziv” right after being appointed the coach of BiH national football team. Our guest for the 100th episode of the show was Amel Tuka, currently the best BiH athlete. This project received numerous recognitions and the greatest recognition of them all is the judgment of the auditory, because this show is one of the most commented on via social networks and is being watched all around the world. Everyone eagerly anticipates the show on Sunday at 8 p.m. and if they do not make it on time, they can watch the show on YouTube.

3. May 2, 1996 is the date remembered by the majority of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the day when Sarajevo and Željezničar played their first derby after the end of the war in BiH. That day was especially emotional because the former President Alija Izetbegović started the game. Can you share with us the memories of that day?

I spent the entire period of aggression on BiH in Sarajevo, as a member of the Army of RBiH and precisely at the Square of Heroes, near the stadium of Željo. Many people dreamt about the day of the return on Grbavica. Destiny wanted several of us, who were near Grbavica during the aggression and watched Željo’s stadium, our pride, as in Tifa’s song “Grbavica”, to witness that historical sport event in different roles. Edin Sprečo, the legend of Željezničar, member of the first champion generation and active in the defence of Sarajevo and BiH, got out onto the field together with the first president of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Alija Izetbegović, who kicked the game off. The final result of the 66th league match was 1:1. On that May 2^nd, nearly 20.000 spectators gathered at the almost completely demolished Grbavica. The entire western wooden stand no longer existed, because it completely burned on May 4, 1992. The north stand was still in function although devastated as well, but it was somehow prepared to host the blue and Bordeaux fans who left the devastated Grbavica that day satisfied. The truth is that war scars were visible in every corner of the Valley of Cups, on the east and south stands, but the joy, pride and satisfaction were in the air. Because, the city derby is eternal and the Grbavica song is eternal as well…

4. In your expert opinion, what is the current situation of football in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Can you make a short analysis?

Regarding the national championship, I believe that the quality of BiH football will increase with the shortening of the league. This past season showed that a step forward was made. However, more investments must be made in BiH football and infrastructure because good results cannot be expected without adequate conditions.

5. BiH is rich in talented football players who are appreciated in great clubs around the world. Those same football players, when invited by the coach, play for the national team. In your opinion, when will BiH play in the World Championships again? Is talent enough, or football cannot exist without politics?

Qualifying for Mundial in Brazil was a great success. We almost qualified for the Euros, but I hope we will be participants among the best national teams in the world again. Talent? Of course it is important, but a lot of work and persistence are needed, too. When it comes to politics, I always avoid it in my shows and any public performances. There is no room for politics in sports.

Interview by Zejna SY