With the match between Motor Zaporozhye and Vojvodina ending up postponed due to multiple cases of Covid-19 within the Ukrainian team, Skopje will have the privilege to host the season-opener with Croatian runners-up Nexe Nasice coming to visit Vardar 1961.

Both teams have been members of SEHA League from its very beginnings which is why this duel has already become a SEHA – Gazprom League classic. And while Vardar are trying to get things going the right way with new head coach David Davis, Nexe have once again managed to make a step forward in terms of quality this season and will surely do their best to stun the Macedonian giant in their premier encounter of the season. Both teams will have to find a way to deal with a few absences but even despite of that it is clear that we are up to a great duel in which both teams will be looking to come out as winners. Last season Nexe celebrated a 36:32 win at home against the ‘Red&Blacks’ after losing narrowly in Skopje (27:26). It is finally time to #experiencehandball!

Match will be broadcasted on Arena Sport 4 (Cro), MRT and Sport TV.

David Davis, Vardar coach:

We’re starting this SEHA League season against a really great team which we have a lot of respect for. Nexe has a good coach and a solid team. Obviously, we still haven’t managed to sync everything in the most perfect way. I still haven’t had the entire team available for a single training session which says a lot but even despite of that I believe we are capable of delivering a solid outing.

Martin Tomovski, Vardar goalkeeper:

Nexe are always playing well against Vardar. We know they will do their best to celebrate on Friday. They have a lot of Croatian players and have been together for a long period of time. However, we are Vardar and our goal is always to play the best we can. I assure you we are fully prepared for what is waiting for us in this season’s SEHA opener.

Branko Tamse, Nexe coach:

I feel like we’ve used the winter break well to prepare the team for what is waiting for us in the second half of the season. Janko Kevic is slowly returning to the team, Bakic is once again in full swing while we are still waiting for Manci Micevic and Moslavac to fully recover. Regarding the match, it is always a great pleasure to play in Jane Sandaski playing hall against two-time European champions Vardar. They have a new coach in David Davis and I am interested to see how they will look as well as how we will look against them obviously. At the moment our health card is looking pretty good. I hope for a great match in front of incredible supporters.

Marin Jelinic, Nexe player:

With the EURO less than a week behind us it is time for club obligations. Exhausting second half of the season is ahead of us. My only hope is for everyone to stay healthy and safe. We are all looking forward to the match against a handball giant that Vardar surely is. They have a new coach and a roster full of experienced, quality players which is why I’m expecting this to be a tough match. However, I believe we have what it takes to win it and book first points.