Zherka: The match against Bulgaria vital

Side profile of Verim Zherka looking on during a match

The Kosovo U18 national handball team will start their 2022 IHF Trophy Europe campaign against Bulgaria, on Tuesday, from 18:00 at the Palace of Youth in Prishtina..

Kosovo U18 is aiming for the first place in this tournament, to advance to the intercontinental stage.

The winner of the intercontinental tournament will qualify for the Youth World Championship. The same applies to the U20 national teams. For this reason, the IHF Trophy tournament is considered an important international event.

The coach of Kosovo U18, Verim Zherka, is satisfied with his team’s preparation for the tournament.

“The first meeting in Gjakova had more of a test character. We had 26 players and we reduced this number to 16 for the second phase that took place in Istog. We have tried to eliminate technical and tactical deficiencies the players had, both individually and collectively.

“We have a great generation that gives us hope and courage for the future, but these young men should do even more professional work”, said Verim Zherka.

He also spoke about his goals in the IHF Trophy.

“As for our goals in this competition, of course it is to win the trophy and qualify for the World Championship. We will have Georgia and Bulgaria as competitors, but Great Britain cannot be overlooked either.

“Vital for us will be the first match against Bulgaria, which we play tomorrow from 18:00. We have to give our best for this victory so that we can be a little more comfortable in the next matches, especially in the one with Georgia”, added Verim Zherka.