Jovanović and Tatari join Astrakhanochka

After failing to reach the semi-final of the Russian championship and losing to Metz Handball in the quarter-final of the EHF Cup, Astrakhanochka Astrakhan are already making big plans for next season.

The Russian club have secured a couple of big signings to help their quest to reach the next level both at home and internationally.

Montenegro and Croatia captains Marija Jovanović and Miranda Tatari have signed one year contracts with the club.

Russia will be the second foreign experience for Marija Jovanović, who is currently with Romanian champions Oltchim Rm. Valcea and preparing for the Women’s EHF Champions League semi-final second leg against Györi Audi ETO KC.

Jovanović joined Oltchim Rm. Valcea in the summer of 2011 from Budućnost, where she played six seasons, in that time she won two Cup Winners’ Cup and two Regional Leagues, alongside plenty of domestic trophies.

The Montenegrin left back is playing in her second consecutive Women’s EHF Champions League semi-final against Györi Audi ETO KC, who came out on top last season.

Jovanović is set to join former Budućnost and Valcea teammate Sanela Knezović and Sandra Nikčević, who is a fellow Montenegrin international.

For 29-year-old centre back Miranda Tatari, Astrakhanochka will be her first club away from home when she transfers from HC Podravka Vegeta.

Croatian sides Koprivnica and Podravka were her only previous clubs.

“Astrakhanochka Astrakhan have high ambitions for next season, especially in the Russian Championship.

“The mayor of the city, the governor and other club leaders live for handball and next year they want to win the Russian championship, and wish to lift a European trophy.

“I believe that I will not regret it. I insisted on a one year contract and we will see what the situation will be next summer. I like the look of the team and the club's project,” explained Tatari.