Turkish outfit looking to surprise favourites

After two defeats in the EHF Challenge Cup Final, Turkish champion Muratpasa Belediyesi SK Antalya will have a chance to fight for the place in Women’s EHF Champions League.

The majority of the handball population in Turkey are of the opinion that the Turkish side has no chance of qualifying against host team, Jolidon Cluj, however, one of Muratpasa’s newcomers, Martina Pavić sees this as an opportunity:

”I think it’s good that people see us as the outsiders. We will give 100% and then we will see if it is enough. We can’t underestimate anyone. I know the players that make up the squads of our three possible rivals, but the ball is round and we can fight for 60 minutes,” commented Croatian line player member who represented her country at the EHF EURO 2008 and EHF EURO 2010.

”I would like to meet my former team Zaječar in the final, but the favourite to qualify for the Champions League has to be Cluj. They will play at home and that is a huge advantage for them,” said Pavić.

Muratpasa will have the help of five foreign players during their European campaign, but also in the domestic Championship, where the biggest rival for the title will be Üsküdar from Istanbul.

Next to Pavić, in Antalya players like Carbune (Romania), Tankaskaya (Azerbaijan), Laiuk (Ukraine) and Khouilidi (Tunisia) take to court for the Turkish outfit.

”I really like the style of play we have adopted here. Muratpasa play fast handball and that suits me perfect. We have really good atmosphere in the team,” says Pavić.

Muratpasa have already won their first trophy of the season beating Izmir 27:19 in the Super Cup Final.