Jean-Luc Assogba, Manager of the Aspac Handball Club : "We have something to worry about our opponents"

In an exclusive interview with us granted, the manager, Jean Luc Assogba spoke about the preparation of the women's team of the Sport Association of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (ASPAC) at the 42nd edition of the African Handball Champions Club Championship. He took the opportunity to lift a corner of the veil on the objectives of the port club. Read instead !!!

The Spac Handball Club is the representative of Benin at the next interclub competition among women. How are you preparing for this competition during this Covid period 19 ?

The Covid-19 pandemic is scaring us all. But this no longer prevents the resumption of activities which are now based on certain security provisions required by Handball institutions, in particular the African Handball Confederation (CAHB). It should be remembered that the CAHB has its protocol which it has imposed on the clubs to take part in its competitions. Clubs are instructed to perform a minimum of four tests before departure. On our side, we have already carried out a test just before the resumption of training. The 02 November 2020, the girls will do the second test.

What game plans do you really pay attention to ?

The work is focused on two phases. The first phase, which is related to the physical preparation took place from 28 September to 18 October 2020. We are currently in the process of carrying out the second phase called "block two" which is based much more on the exploitation of the ball.

We want to put in place a system of play that can give a hard time to opponents who are undoubtedly teams of a higher level.. So we work a lot more on the defensive organization. We must make our opponents doubt as long as possible to take control by playing against. The girls are aware of the issue.

What is the backbone of the club as of today ?

The squad is currently made up of players from Aspac and a few others from local clubs such as : Flowers Hbc and Agreement Hbc. We will have players who will come from Nigeria to complete the list. They will join the group by the end of the first week of November at the latest..

What are the objectives of Aspac Hbc by participating in this competition ?

We know the level of our club. But this time, we will have our card to play. We did not decide to participate to serve as a point giver. The girls will take their chance and I think with the work that we have been doing for a month, we have something to worry about our adversaries.

A word to conclude this interview

We can't do anything without the support of the sporting public. We need it to be more competitive. It is true that with the pandemic, it is not possible but, even from afar, it can be done. Aspac Hbc is a club, but above all we carry and represent Benin. We also requested the support of the authorities. We are going to put the package together to make the outcome wonderful.

Interview by : Damien TOLOMISSI