IUVENTA want to play WOMEN’S EHF Champions League

Slovakian champion IUVENTA Michalovce has started their preparation for the upcoming season. The girls from “Chemkostav Arena” will try to qualify for the WOMEN’S EHF Champions League and eliminate favourite FTC Rail Cargo Hungaria in the knock-out match. To stand a chance against the Hungarian runner-up and WOMEN’S Cup Winners’ Cup winner, IUVENTA signed two promising players: Natalia Vinyukova (23) and Julia Snopova (27).

“Vinyukova is the type of player who can score from every range and all positions. That is exactly what we were looking for. If we want to become successful in European competitions, we have to move in this direction. Our chances increase with Vinyukova and Snopova on our team,” said Michalovce's sports director Jaroslav Curny.

The Russian left back came from national runner-up Rostov Don, which will also compete in the WOMEN’S EHF Champions League Qualifications. Vinyukova has also played for the U20 Russian national team.

Ukrainian right back, Julia Snopova has attained international experience too. She comes from the well-known Turkish team Mili Pjango. Last season, she played for the French team H.A.C Le Havre: “My biggest dream is to play in the WOMEN’S EHF Champions League. Now, we are only two games away from this dream. FTC is definitely the big favourite but we won't give up,” said Snopova on the club's offiicial website.

Never in the women's elite

Last season, IUVENTA Michalovce was the host of one of the WOMEN’S EHF Champions League Qualification Tournaments but their team finished third behind RK Zaječar (Serbia) and Britterm Veseli nad Moravo (Czech Republic).

The knock-out matches against the Hungarians in September (19.-20. and 22.-23.) will be their fifth attempt to qualify for the most prestigious women’s club competition.