Ambitious plans in Minsk

Sergiy Onufryienko is one of the main pillars of the Belarusian champion HC Dinamo Minsk. The Ukrainian-born player had a bright past before joining his current club. Whilst HC Dinamo Minsk takes part for the first time in the VELUX EHF Champions League, for the 25-year-old, it’s already his sixth time in the competition.

ehfCL.com: With two points from four games, HC Dinamo Minsk lies in 5th position in Group C. What are your chances of reaching the next phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League?

Sergiy Onufryienko: I see a good chance of taking fourth place, which would mean a place among the best 16 teams. We have two home games against Aalborg and Schaffhausen, our direct opponents. Both teams are as strong as we are, but we have home advantage.

ehfCL.com: HC Dinamo Minsk is regarded as the new flagship club in Belarus. What can you say about your club?

Sergiy Onufryienko: In just two years much has been achieved. The association has set firm aims, and all of the people are working hard to push the club to top international level. These are very ambitious people with very serious aims. We players are also very motivated to do our best.

ehfCL.com: You grew up, and developed your handball, in Zaporozhye. What are your memories of that time?

Sergiy Onufryienko: In Zaporozhye we were delighted to play in the VELUX EHF Champions League continuously. Many of the local players would like to have the same experiences as me and play with a strong team against strong teams. I’m glad that I had the chance to develop in a good team.

ehfCL.com: At the age of 25 years you have your whole future before you. Do you dream of playing in the big leagues of Europe?

Sergiy Onufryienko: Each player always wants to give his best and continue to improve. Therefore, I want to play at good clubs. At the moment, this means HC Dinamo Minsk. What the future brings, we’ll see!