"I want to be a role model one day"

Not many in Europe have heard of Mariana Rebicova , yet the 20-year-old Slovakian has everything what it takes to become a leader of the Slovakian national team and one of the shining stars in European handball.

Considered one of the biggest handball talents Slovakia has ever had, Rebicova was awarded talent of the year 2012 after her third consecutive Slovakian title with Michalovce, the first in which she played an important part.

Debuting for her mother club in September 2009 at age of 16, she was already recognised as a promising talent for the Slovakian title holder. After missing the 2009 Women’s 17 EHF EURO in Serbia due to an injury, she was part of the Slovakian team at the under 19 edition in Hungary later the same year.

A player full of passion

Marianna started with handball at primary school in her hometown Michalovce, a true handball fortress in eastern Slovakia. Her passion for handball was stronger, despite her wide range of interests.

“Michalovce is a handball town, people love the sport. Club representatives came to our school to search for young talents. I liked the idea of a team sport, so I gave it a try. I used to play piano as well. It brings elegance and peace into your mind. Apart of that I did judo, but it was too tough. Handball is not as tough as judo, but it has far from ballet.

“I started as a goalkeeper, but as I grew up I tried many different positions on the court. Soon I realised where I belong and where I can use my potential the most. Ever since then I became a back court player,” explained Rebicova.

When asked to rate her strengths and weaknesses, Marianna was very confident in her answer.

“I am a very passionate player. You can hear me on and off the court, cheering up girls. I try to win the ball back for the team as quickly as possible and block the opposition. I would say I am one of the pillars of the defence.

“I have a good shot from distance and I can cooperate well with the line player, however, I still need to improve in all aspects of my game. I definitely need to work on my offensive skills, to pose more danger up front,” she admitted.

Young leader

Mariana played her first match for the national team at the age of 17 against Belarus in September 2010 and scored twelve goals in her first three matches. Rebicova started showing potential to become a future leader in the Slovakian team as one of the youngest in the team.  

“I feel great in the national team, we form a great team and look forward to seeing each other at the camps. I do not feel any pressure. There is determination and will to succeed, but definitely no pressure.

“We have a mix of experience players with several youngsters like me, who have, hopefully, many years ahead of us.

“My dream is to participate at the EHF EURO with the national team, play for a top European club and play in the Champions League final one day. At the moment I am happy in Michalovce, where I have everything I need to improve and be ready to make a further step into the big handball world,” said  ‘Mery’ as they call her familiarly in the club, who can fulfil one of her dreams in next couple of months.

Slovakia secured back to back wins over Finland – including a game at home in Michalovce - to set up crucial matches against France and Iceland in June in the Women’s EHF EURO 2014 Qualification Group 2.

European experience

After an unlucky exit from the EHF Cup with Michalovce, being eliminated in the Last 16 by Bayer Leverkusen on away goals, Rebičová realises such matches provide great experience.

“Our hard works pays off this season. We have to cope with many injuries in the club, but we are doing well even in short numbers. We were so unlucky in EHF Cup against Leverkusen at home – we made a good start, but failed to finish it off.

“What a pity, European success would make the season even better. I believe this was a good lesson for me and for the team. Even one bad half can be crucial in European games,” said the left back.

Talking to Marianna leaves you with impression of an experienced mature handball leader, not a youngster of her age.

Confident in her own abilities on the court, knowing what she wants to achieve and one who is precise and hard working in training.

“I hope one day, young girls will consider me as their handball role model. I consider Filip Jícha as my role model. His ability to score, play with the ball and beat his opponents. He is a complete player and that’s what I like about him,” concluded Rebicova.