Ava N’Diaj, the Senegal national team pivot and former player for Crimea, will enhance the roster of OTP Group Buducnost women’s handball club for the upcoming season, marking a significant milestone as it will be the club’s 30th entry in the EHF League Champion.

Alongside N’Diaj, Montenegrin national team player Itana Grbić, also from Crimea, will return to the “blues,” while Polish national team left winger Dagmara Nocunj will join the squad next season.

N’Diaj, born in Strasbourg, France, is 29 years old and played for Crimea in the EHF Champions League this season.

Throughout her career, she has represented several European clubs, including French teams Havre, Metz, Chambly, and Toulon, as well as Hungarian club Siofok, Romanian club Gloria Buzau, and French club Brest. She is a regular member of the Senegal national team, having participated in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

N’Diaj expressed her excitement and pride about joining the club:

“I am very happy and proud to be coming to Buducnost. It marks a significant step in my career and is a big deal, as it is a club with a rich tradition. I understand the mentality of the players and their relentless fighting spirit – true warriors who give their all. That, to me, defines the club’s identity and was a major motivation for my arrival, as I share that warrior spirit; it is a part of me. I can’t wait to become a part of it.”

Regarding the club’s aspirations and her future teammates, N’Diaj added:

“The goal is to achieve as much success as possible in the Champions League. I know Itana Grbić, we play together in Crimea, and she is an excellent person and player. I am not yet acquainted with the coach Bojana Popović, but I appreciate her energy! Additionally, I know Armel Atingre, as she is French like me; while I don’t know her personally yet, I hope that will change soon.”

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