The Minute of Sport

After three weeks off, the Septors launch the final sprint of ProLigue: 4th in the championship, in a good position for playoffs qualification, the handball players of Saran travel to the leader, Pau-Billère, this Friday.

Five teams within four points. The race for playoffs, and especially the first place in ProLigue handball, promises to be exciting. Coach Luis Cruz of Saran says there are eight games left in the regular season for the Septors to reach the highest possible position. “This Friday, for the return after a break of about three weeks, Saran Loiret Handball, in 4th place, travels to the leader, Pau-Billère. Three points separate the two teams.

For the back Noa Narcisse, it is ideal to restart with strong determination, with a top clash. “We had a five-day break and then resumed [training] as needed, with energy, ambition for the final sprint. We are lucky to have a very big match right away, it puts us all in and we really have a feeling of continuity,” he says. “Anyway, we only have big matches left. It’s an opportunity to gain two points and make the others lose two. We won against the first team two weeks ago, now it’s Pau-Billère and we must do the same.” Indeed, before the break, the Septors had beaten Ivry, who was then the leader. Will history repeat itself against Pau-Billère tonight (8:30 PM)?

The momentum is good, but Luis Cruz still has in mind the beginning of the season below expectations. “In the last 15 games, we are first. But we must not forget the start of the season. In October, if someone asked us to secure a place in the playoffs, everyone said: yes, right away!” the coach points out, whose message is basically not to get carried away. His players have understood. “They know we are in a good moment, that we have the possibility to do something [but] they didn’t finish the last match with their heads in the clouds, they are calm, grounded,” assures Luis Cruz, who would like everyone to have the same mindset. “Many people have their minds turned to… several things. We must stay focused. First thing, secure a place in the playoffs. Second thing, make sure that place is as high as possible. And maybe, if we have the chance, reach the first place afterwards.” A highly coveted first place. For the Septors supporters, they must keep an eye on the match between the two closest pursuers of the Septors this Friday night: Pontault, in 5th place, travels to Valence, in 6th place.