One year after their relegation to the second national tier, the Torball players from Nice gave their all to achieve the goal they set for themselves: promotion back to N1.
After winning the French third division championship a few years ago, ANICES clinched the N2 championship on June 18. It is historic for the club, which returns to the elite level one year after leaving it.
“We have achieved the goal that was set from the beginning,” says Sébastien Filippini, the club president. “The number one goal was to be promoted as N2 champions. Mission accomplished,” he explains, satisfied.
The president of ANICES Torball reflected on his team’s journey, particularly on the 2015 season played in N1, which ended with a relegation to a lower tier. “We knew our level. We couldn’t play our game; we played timidly. That’s what caused our relegation,” admits Sébastien Filippini.
Maintaining the elite status, the number one goal
He believes his players will not repeat the same mistake next season and that the message has been understood: “Everyone has become aware of the mistakes made last season. We were disappointed in ourselves, in that relegation.”
Next season, the goal will be to maintain their status. “The 7th and 8th places get relegated. We are aiming for the 6th place. Staying up is within our reach; we have the potential to do it,” Sébastien Filippini estimates.
In the meantime, the club will participate in several international tournaments to prepare well. “We will travel to Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and also Italy,” explains the president of ANICES Torball. The aim will be to gain experience and build confidence to be in the best shape for the initial N1 matches.
