30.04.2009, 03:09
Kiel sign Peter Gentzel

A veteran Swedish goalkeeper will support Thierry Omeyer next season.

Kiel sign Peter Gentzel

Kiel has a goalkeeper problem. But how’s this possible when you have Thierry Omeyer? The problem is not Omeyer, but the second goalkeeper position.

The young Swedish talent, Andreas Palicka played, an outstanding season until he was injured during an international match. His injury in his thigh appears to be serious. At first he was not foreseen to play again this season, but now nobody knows if Palicka would ever be able to play handball again. Surely he needs a long break before his return…

As an intermediate solution for this season, THW signed French goalkeeper Bruno Martini.

For the new season Kiel presented a new goalkeeper: Peter Gentzel.

The 40-year old Swedish player signed a one year contract as he will arrive from HSG Nordhorn where he has been playing since 2001. With the Germans he won EHF Cup last season.

Gentzel had also played in Spain and Sweden (Gothenburg). With the national team he was European champion three times, twice silver medallist at the World Championships and Olympics silver medallist in 2000.

“I wanted to stay in Germany with my family until 2010, but as Nordhorn will relegate due to financial problems I suddenly had the chance to go to Kiel. This is a great opportunity to play for the best club inthe World,” Gentzel said. “THW is a ‘Swedish’ club and not far away from home,” he added.

THW contacted Gentzel through the captain of the team Lövgren. “Then everything was arranged very fast,” as Gentzel recalls.

The Swedish is looking forward to playing together with Thierry Omeyer:

“He’s the best goalkeeper in the world and it’s my objective to support him as much as possible. Maybe I can learn something new from him even with my old age.”

TEXT: Björn Pazen