Life sometimes writes destinies that surpass even the toughest sports battles. One such story belongs to former basketball aceMihajlo Manović Crvca (78), who today lives a reality completely different from the one on the basketball court.
Once a vital part of the famous KK Jugoplastika generation (Basketball Club Jugoplastika), Manović now survives by scavenging for plastic bottles in dumpsters across Split. The story about his destiny was brought to life by “Slobodna Dalmacija” newspapers, recalling the journey from an elite athlete to a life on the edge of survival.
As reported, older residents of Split can still recognize the former star in the man now living as a homeless person. Born in Belgrade, Manović decided back in the 1960s to tie his sporting and personal destiny to Split.
“I was the ‘enfant terrible’ of my generation, a guy with a big career ahead of him, which I achieved. My rise began when, as a sixteen year old, I moved from Radnički to Split, which became Jugoplastika in 1968,” he recalled.
Today, however, his daily routine is completely different. “I collect bottles around Split. There is a symbolism in that – I was a ‘Yellow’, like the Jugoplastika jersey, and the dumpsters are yellow too. After all my achievements, I have been forgotten,” he previously told “Mocartsport.”
His life has been marked by heavy tragedies. His son, Jovan,was murdered in 2007 as an accidental victim of a criminal shootout in Belgrade, an event, he says, that completely alteredhis destiny.
“When the war started, my son and I went to Belgrade. I managed to find my way again. I was the coach of the BASK and a sporting director. Everything was running smoothly until tragedy struck. My son was killed when he was nearly 30 years old,” said Manović.
He also faced severe health issues – undergoing surgery for cancer of the kidney, gallbladder, and duodenum, and he was also on the brink of death due to sepsis. After the loss of family members, he was left entirely alone.
Four years ago, he decided to return to Split, the city that, as he said, gave him the most beautiful moments of his life. Today, he lives modestly but maintains dignity.
“I am homeless, I receive assistance that is not enough, but I am still content. I collect bottles, have friends, I have food, and I manage to find a place to stay” he said.
He still loves culture, walks by the sea, and the simple things that bring him peace. “I would like to go to the theatre more often, but sometimes my friend takes me. I love Split, sea, and evening swims. I am not ashamed – that’s life. It is mine,” he told “Slobodna Dalmacija.”
