NK Nafta 1903 extends Josip Ivan Zorica's contract as Hungarian ZTE players bolster squad

Croatian forward Josip Ivan Zorica has signed a new deal with Slovenian club NK Nafta 1903, remaining with the team for the upcoming First League season. In the 2025/26 campaign he made 29 appearances, clocked 2,383 minutes and scored nine goals, ranking as the club’s third‑top scorer. Zorica said he feels "at home in Lendava" and hopes for a successful season.

Ahead of the league start, Nafta played its first friendly under new Spanish coach Gonzalo Escudero, defeating Romanian side Voluntari 3‑0. The match featured five young players from Hungary’s ZTE club – Bence Vert, Ayodele Olawale, Zalan Horvath, Martin Barbarics and Marcell Kiraly – highlighting a growing Hungarian influence. Additional squad members included former youth international Andro Sokač and ex‑Mura player Luka Marič.

The contract renewal and the influx of ZTE talent are aimed at ensuring continuity and strengthening Nafta’s attacking options as it prepares for higher competition in Slovenia’s top division.