According to HBL Managing Director Frank Bohmann, the guest start of the Ukrainian series champion HC Motor Zaporischschja in the 2nd Bundesliga is also a great opportunity for German handball.
“I believe that this project can be a huge advertisement. We must not forget that there are now about a million Ukrainians living in our country who can support their team and our league,” Bohmann told the Funke media group newspapers (Wednesday).
In the run-up to the Supercup between champions SC Magdeburg and cup winners THW Kiel, Zaporizhschja is playing the second division opening game against Bayer Dormagen this Wednesday (4:15 p.m.) in Düsseldorf, where the team lives and plays all of the home games of the season. “I am convinced that our players and our great fans, but also people who are not connected to handball, will accompany this Ukrainian team on their emotional journey through Germany,” said league boss Uwe Schwenker. “Every home and away game is an opportunity to show our hospitality while sending a message of peace.”
Due to the Russian war of aggression, gaming operations in Ukraine are suspended. The HBL therefore decided in the summer to integrate Zaporizhschja into the second division for a season. “It’s always a bit humble when you hear what’s bothering our guests from the Ukraine at the moment. Sport becomes a minor matter,” said Bohmann.
