Tom Meis wants to leave the handball stage with a bang

Neither in the previous year nor in 2023 were the handball players of the HB Käerjeng in the final Four des Cup. After a 30:22 success in the quarter-finals against Esperance Rümelingen, the team of coach Ben Schuster is now in the last four. The opponent, the HB Dudelingen, seems to be overwhelming due to his outstanding season.

However, the brewery towns do not see themselves without a chance. « Two weeks ago we showed what is possible against the HBD. We only lost with one goal, » recalls Armin Zekan, who has become increasingly stronger in the past few weeks. In the duel, the 27-year-old gets nine goals.

The left back player also showed his class in the first leg of the play-offs, which ended with a 36: 36 draw, and scored five times. The claim has changed accordingly. « We want to enjoy the semi -finals and annoy the HBD, » said Zekan. « In the area, expectations have increased, but above all hopes for a surprise coup. » The potential to move into the final is there. After all, the trophy has its own laws.

Despite the long break over Easter, the team is in a good shape, as Zekan shows. Two weeks ago Tom Meis, Jérôme Michels, Pierre Veidig and Thomas Darnois were still outside due to injuries or injuries, and the signs of returning are back on green at least in three actors.

Only Veidig has to fit in addition to the long -term injured Yakub Lallemang and the Sébastien Edgar, which is no longer in the squad. « We have had the entire squad together last week and have optimally prepared for the match on Thursday. » Coach Schuster was already working on a possible tactic against the second in the table of the Axa League, which is also able to do the double this year.

The outsider needs cream day

According to Zekan, a few factors are required in order not only to annoy the Dudelinger, but also to the final in the Gymnase of the Coque on Saturday (8:15 p.m.). « We want to actively use our role and come to success as an outsider with a cheeky style of play and high speed. » In addition to the goalkeeper performance, an aggressive defense will be important. « We have to be brave and press higher. In any case, a great day we have to catch, » explains Zekan.

It will probably be the last final Four for two long -time top performers. Meis hangs the handball shoes on the nail. Michels is associated with a change to his home club HB Peningen. Both will go into the game against the HBD accordingly. « It will be my last final Four. For me, a finals would be a great end to my long career, » says Meis, who is back on board after the Achilles tendon inflammation was recovered.

Like Zekan, the 33-year-old also knows about the need for a flawless interaction. « We know that we can play good handball, but we need a perfect day and 100 percent investment to beat the HBD. »

First of all, at the HBK you look forward to the semi -finals and a strong opponent. « Games against Dudelingen were always very intensive and spectacular. I expect a similarly scarce result as in the play-offs and 60 minutes at a high level, » says Zekan exclusively on Thursday evening (6.30 p.m.).