SKST Havířov will open their ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 campaign at home against Polish powerhouse KS Dekorglass Działdowo, on 16 November.
Działdowo, two-time Europe Cup winners (2018 and 2024), bring a world-class roster built around Poland’s national team stars. Two-time European Championship medalist Jakub DYJAS and 2022 U21 European singles champion Samuel KULCZYCKI lead the line-up, joined by Patryk LEWANDOWSKI, Croatian ace Tomislav PUCAR (WR 30), and the experienced Chinese defender Yingchao HOU.
But Havířov are determined not to play second fiddle. Coach Marek ČIHÁK commands a balanced mix of experience and youth, anchored by Chilean international Gustavo GÓMEZ (WR 110). Alongside him are reigning Czech junior champion Štěpán BRHEL, veterans Michal BLINKA and Jan ŠKALDA, plus Indian international Manush SHAH and several promising Czech juniors including Matyáš KOLEČKÁŘ and Jakub MAKARA.
“We respect our opponents, but we have quality and ambition,” said coach ČIHÁK ahead of the home leg. “The players have improved individually, and we want to show that we can compete with any team in Europe.”
