U Jolidon Cluj battle for Women's EHF Champions League place

Romanian runners-up U Jolidon Cluj have a good chance of qualifying for the Women's EHF Champions League for the first time in their history.  

Jolidon have been runners-up three times in a row in the Romanian league, second to the “dream team” of Oltchim Valcea, and now have the fantastic opportunity to organise a Qualification Tournament for the Women's EHF Champions League in September.

Last season the Romanian team lost against Vibork HK (DEN) in the qualification round.

There were no major changes in the squad according to team director, Cosmin Salajan. “Two players left the team but we also signed two new players," he said.

The newcomers are Alexandra Lup (left back) and junior national team player, Valean Abigail, in the playmaker and a left wing positions.

He continued: "Laura Oltean and Ionica Munteanu left the team but we managed to keep the rest of the team from the last season.

"I am happy to announce that Ani Senocico Mihaela, Tivadar Mihaela, Stoian Adriana, Mihai Raluca, Turcas Alina, Paraschiv Magdalena, Mazareanu Ana Maria and Laslo Cristina will play in Cluj in the upcoming season.”

In the semi-final match of the Qualification Tournament, Jolidon Cluj will meet Turkish champion Muratpasa Belediyesi SK.

“We are still gathering information about our first rival from Turkey but also about the two other teams – RK Zajecar and Rostov Don," Salajan said.

"I expect the tournament to be very interesting. The best team will qualify for the Women’s EHF Champions League.”

Even if the team wants to qualify for the Women's EHF Champions League predictions for the tournament are hard to make.

“It is hard to say which team we would prefer in the final. First of all, we want to reach the final match," he said.

Jolidon won last year’s Qualification Tournament semi-final match against Serbian champion RK Zaječar.