Young Austrians replace Brazilian golden girls

When Brazil won the Women’s World Championship 2013 in Serbia, the samba fiesta was not confined to Belgrade. The little town Maria Enzersdorf at the outskirts of Vienna was also celebrating, as Hypo Niederösterreich was part of this success – many of the Brazilians and even coach Morten Soubak were with Hypo at the time.

The Brazilian era at Hypo has now come to an end, with the departure of Soubak to focus on the Brazilian national team and six members of the World Champion squad joining new clubs.

2012 World Handball Player of the Year Alexandra Do Nascimento and goalkeeper Barbara Arenhart transferred to Baia Mare, where they will face their former Hypo teammates Deonise Cavaleiro Fachinello, Fernanda Franca da Silva and Ana Paula Rodrigues, the three of whom now call CSM Bucuresti home, in the Romanian league. Rounding out the Brazilian troupe departing Hypo is Fabiana Carvalho Carneiro Diniz, who joined Nantes.

Hypo’s Brazilian connections are not completely lost however, with Mariana Costa transferring to the Austrian club. Austrian Marina Budecevic re-joins Hypo from domestic rivals: Wr.Neustadt.

Last season, Hypo took their 38th consecutive domestic title in style, along with participating in their 37th Women’s EHF Champions League (still called the Champions’ Cup when their impressive run began).

The club have been crowned Champions League winners a total of five times, but have not reached the final since 2008. Since then they have steadily participated, but have not qualified for the major matches – though they were victorious at the Cup Winners’ Cup in 2013.

Hypo’s first goal is therefore to qualify for the main round of the EHF Champions League this season. The team believe they have the potential to leave at least one of their group phase opponents – Leipzig, Dinamo and Krim – behind.

“Hypo Niederösterreich is in an intermediate phase, focused on forming a team with the best Austrian players. The team must be developed and should be able to compete in European competitions in future. The young players need to learn and also get a feeling what is necessary to succeed against the top European teams,” explains manager Karl Heinz Grassmann, speaking on the club’s new strategy.

Experienced team captain Gorica Acimovic (pictured above) says the team are motivated and ready for the EHF Champions League season.

“This is a big challenge for all of us and we are looking forward to playing high-quality international games. All the players are motivated. Our experienced players rate this season’s competition as their chance and our young generation take it as an opportunity for their big breakthrough.”

Three questions to coach Ferenc Kovács:

Regarding your objectives and your group opponents, what are your expectations for the upcoming season of the Women’s EHF Champions League?

Ferenc Kovács: We want to win our home matches and to reach the Champions League main round. We are looking forward to seeing how far we can go this year.

What does participation in the Women’s EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?

Ferenc Kovács: It’s all about continuing the club’s traditions and giving our young players opportunities. All the girls are motivated and we will make every effort to play in a manner worthy of the competition.

What teams are your personal favourites to reach the Women’s EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season – and why?

Ferenc Kovács: Györi Audi ETO KC, Buducnost, Vardar and Larvik – they have the best players.

Qualification for the Women’s EHF Champions League 2014/15 season: Austrian champions

Newcomers:
Marina Budecevic (McDonald's Wr.Neustadt)
Martina Goricanec (HC MGT BW Feldkirch)
Vivien Lerant (Siofok KC – Galerius Furdo)
Mariana Costa (Vendsyssel Handbold)
Maria Eugenia Musalem Araos (McDonald's Wr.Neustadt)

Left the club:
Alexandra Do Nascimento (HCM Baia Mare)
Barbara Arenhart (HCM Baia Mare)
Ana Paula Rodrigues (CSM Bucuresti)
Fernanda Franca da Silva (CSM Bucuresti)
Fabiana Carvalho Carneiro Diniz (Nantes LA HB)
Deonise Cavaleiro Fachinello (CSM Bucuresti)

Coach: Ferenc Kovács

Women’s EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2014/15 season):  22
Winner (4): 1993/94, 1994/95, 1997/98, 1999/2000
Finalist (2): 1995/96, 2007/08
Semi-finalist (5): 1996/97, 1998/99, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2008/09
Quarter-finalist (1): 2005/06
Main round (1): 2009/10
Group phase (8): 2000/01, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14

Other EC records:

Cup Winners’ Cup:
Winner (1): 2012/13
Finalist (1): 2003/04
Quarter-finalist (1): 2013/14
Last 16 (1): 2010/11

Champions Trophy:
Winner (1): 1999/00
Finalist (5): 1993/94, 1994/95, 1997/98, 2003/04, 2007/08

Austrian league: 38 titles (1977-2014)
Austrian cup: 25 titles (1990-2014)