The women’s handball team returned to action last night. Before a large segment of its supporters, the players of Ange Ferracci, president of the club, were officially introduced. It was an opportunity to discuss the objectives for this promising season.
Ambition is the project of the OGC Nice Handball leaders. Gone are the chills of last year (secured by playing a play-off match to stay in the elite); now it’s all about ambition and the desire to do well. For the past year, the club has been implementing a policy of rejuvenating its squad. Evidence of this is the integration into the professional team of five European champions from the U19 France team, who came up through the training center.
Unprecedented consistency at the highest level
No club had ever risen from National 3 to LHP without experiencing relegation. This has now been achieved. The club is about to start its 6th consecutive season among the elite. It’s a source of pride for the management team, who are eager to continue ensuring the club’s sustainability for many years to come. “On the sporting front, we are working on the constant improvement of the quality of our educators and trainers. As for the economy, maintaining our financial balance is essential for the club’s objectives,” details the president.
Goal: Play-Off or better
“I think we can aim for 3rd place,” assures Ange Ferracci, in agreement with the professional team coach, Marjan Kolev. “Last year, our weak point was defense. Today, it’s become a strength, which is very encouraging for the rest of the season,” explains the coach. The arrival of the experienced back player Linnea TORSTENSON is surely not unrelated to this improvement. The Swede, European vice-champion and Champions League winner in 2016, will be one of the key players to guide her young teammates in the back line. Adding to this is the arrival of her partner from her time at the Bucharest club, Carmen MARTIN (Spanish international) in the attack.
The balance seems to have been found to achieve a great season both in the championship and the French Cup. Another indication of this will come this Saturday, September 9, at 9 PM against Nantes at the Nice Sports Hall.
