Handball record champion THW Kiel has extended the contract with its successful coach Filip Jicha by three years until 2026. This was announced by the “Zebras” on Tuesday. The previous contract of the 40-year-old Czech ran until next summer.
“I knew as long as I have the energy to coach this club and if my family doesn’t object, I’ll stay,” said Jicha at the season-opening press conference on Tuesday in Damp: “I’m very proud to continue on the path we’ve taken allowed to.”
Coach Jicha: Six trophies in three years
In his three-year tenure so far, Jicha has already won six trophies with championships (2x), DHB Cup, Champions League and Supercup (2x). He was also named “Coach of the Season” in 2019/2020. The next title could follow on August 31st when it comes to champions Magdeburg in the Supercup.
“Filip sets an example of how to be successful,” said THW Managing Director Viktor Szilagyi. The same applies to assistant coach Christian Sprenger, who has also extended until 2026: “Christian and Filip complement each other perfectly, even if ‘Sprengi’s’ hard work often happens in secret.”
Szilagyi: “Want to go to Cologne twice”
Jicha, Szilagyi and also the THW players are aiming for big goals after the second place in the previous season. “Qualification for the Champions League is above everything,” said Szilagyi. And with a view to the final tournaments of the premier class and the DHB Cup, the Austrian added: “We want to go to Cologne twice.”
Four new ones – Sagosen and Pekeler are still missing
With the two Swedish backcourt players Eric Johansson and Karl Wallinius, the Norwegian pivot Petter Øverby and the Czech goalkeeper Tomas Mrkva, Jicha had to integrate four new players. The coach described the newcomers as “desired players”. Szilagyi is convinced: “They bring a breath of fresh air and will increase our quality.” Sander Sagosen (ankle fracture) and Hendrik Pekeler (torn Achilles tendon) are not expected back in the squad until the start of the second half of the season at the earliest.
Coach Jicha: Six titles in three years
Jicha worked as a professional for THW for ten years from 2005 to 2015. In 2018 he became assistant coach at Schleswig-Holstein under Alfreð Gíslason, and a year later he succeeded the Icelander and current national coach as head coach.
Since then, Jicha has celebrated six titles with the people of Kiel: in 2020 and 2021 the THW became champion, this year won the cup, he also won the Champions League in 2020 and won the Supercup in 2020 and 2021. In addition, Jicha was named “Coach of the Season” in 2019/2020.
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Schleswig-Holstein Magazine | 08/23/2022 | 19:30 o’clock
