03.06.2016, 04:00
Zoqbi de Paula joins Buducnost

NEWS REPORT: Fleury goalkeeper to join Buducnost's push to reclaim the Women's EHF Champions League title

Zoqbi de Paula joins Buducnost

Buducnost revealed the first reinforcement for next season - Brazilian-born Spanish goalkeeper Darly Zoqbi de Paula signed a two-year contract with the Montenegrian powerhouse.

Zoqbi de Paula played the last three seasons with French side Fleury Loiret HB, and left the club one year before the end of her contract to start a new adventure.

Born in Porte Novi, the 33-year-old goalkeeper played 150 times for Brazil, and participated at the Olympic Games in 2004 2008. She was named best goalkeeper at Junior World Championship in 2001.

A year ago she took a Spanish citizenship and played for Spain at 2015 World Championship in Denmark, where Spain went out in the Last 16 to France.

In six games, Darly Zogbi de Paula made a total of 28 saves with efficiency of 42% (only Dutch Tess Wester had better efficiency with 42%).

She came to Europe in 2002, when she signed for Murcia in Spain, where she played one season. After that she played for Akaba Bera Bera (2003-2006), Le Havre AC HB (2006-2010), BM Mar Sagunto (2010-2011), again BM Bera Bera (2011-2013) before moving to Fleury Loiret HB (2013-2016), wining the club’s first French championship in 2015.

She played well in last season EHF Champions League and, along her new teammate Marda Zderic, featured in the 3 Stars of Main Round 4 and was nominated in Women’s EHF Champions League All-star team vote.

“We needed a goalkeeper with experience, just like Darly Zoqbi de Paula. With such diversity of schools, character and mentality, we will be even stronger.

“With her, Marta Zderic will be better and more relaxed, while Darly wants to win the Champions League before the end of her career,” Buducnost coach Dragan Adzic said.

Itana Grbić coming home

After two seasons in Vardar, young left wing Itana Grbić will return home, to Buducnost.

“It's true, I am leaving Vardar. At the end of May I ended my obligations in Skopje,” Itana Grbic said.

Itana Grbic can play also as central back, but she will fill the hole in left wing position after the departure of Majda Mehmedovic.

“I am happy and I really cannot wait to join the team. I know almost all the girls; I played with many in the national team. I will enjoy working with coach Dragan Adzic as well with Bojana Popovic,” Itana Grbic added.

TEXT: Saša Jončić / cor