Orio head coach Iker Zabala has reflected on a dominant campaign in the Eusko Label Liga and the Bandera de La Concha, stating that his squad’s consistency leaves little room for rivals to close the gap. Following a stretch that has seen the coach secure six consecutive La Concha flags as a technician for the vizcaíno, Zabala will remain as coach of the aguiluchos for another season, according to regional reports from Euskal Irrati Telebista (EiTB).
Maintaining Momentum in the Eusko Label Liga
Orio captured their second Eusko Label Liga title—and the third in the club’s history—after sealing the championship during a decisive weekend of summer regattas in Ares, Galicia. Reflecting on the campaign’s trajectory, Zabala acknowledged the team’s high standard of execution while noting that complacency remains absent from the boathouse.
“I am very happy with the performance of the trainera, although we still make mistakes at specific moments,” Zabala told EiTB, adding that the crew constantly pushes for higher standards. “We always want more. Orio has to take another step forward.”
A Proven Track Record Across Cantabrian Waters
Zabala’s arrival in Orio followed a successful three-year stint leading the Bou Bizkaia of Bermeo. The Bermeo-born coach has built a reputation for transforming historic clubs into dominant forces. His resume includes successful rescue and title-winning missions with Santurtzi’s Sotera, followed by multiple league and Concha titles back home in Bermeo.
Records highlight a lifelong dedication to the sport that began when Zabala joined Bermeoko Arraun Elkartea at age eleven. After earning his first major successes on the water as an arraunlari (rower), he transitioned to the coaching launch, where his demanding methods and tactical precision earned him recognition across the Bay of Biscay.
Celebrations and Roster Transitions
The latest league triumph sparked enthusiastic celebrations across the coastal town of Orio, where supporters welcomed back the winning crew. The historic summer also featured notable milestones within the squad, including patron Gorka Aranberri celebrating his 100th career flag victory in the Eusko Label Liga during the Ikurriña de Zarautz, alongside the emergence of young patron Oihan Manterola.
With his contract extension secured for the upcoming season, Zabala faces the immediate challenge of maintaining the yellow boat’s supremacy against a fiercely competitive field that includes rivals from Zierbena and Bermeo.
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