Nigerian handball star reacts to Cup win in Israel
Nigerian handball star Dele Kelvin who plays for Hapoel Arad Handball Club has reacted to winning the 2024 Israel National Handball League Cup.
The former Maccabi Beer Sheva HC player told ACL that winning the Cup has opened another chapter in his handball career.
Dele Kelvin who hails from Kogi State revealed that one of his targets now is to ensure Hapoel Arad HC qualifies for the top flight league after next season.
The former Benue Buffaloes player said, “I feel so happy because I know this is God working in my life. I have spent two seasons in Israel; one with Maccabi Beer Sheva and the second with Hapoel Arad HC. When I got my first deal, I told God that I want to start my journey to greatness with trophies and I am happy my struggles are not in vain.
“I want to appreciate my teammates, coach and the management for giving me the opportunity to express myself freely on and off the court; they created an enabling environment which has further enhanced my abilities.
“Hapoel Arad HC is one of the best clubs in the second division and we finished third position in the Second Division League. I hope to see Hapoel Arad move to the top flight handball league and play against other highly rated teams in Israel”.
The former COAS Shooters player revealed that one of his biggest motivators is his family.
He promised to be a good ambassador of the Handball Federation of Nigeria in Israel.
The former Niger United player said, “The number one motivating factor is that I want to make myself and my family proud. I come from a handball family where the game runs in my blood; my mother gave birth to me while on the handball court in Damaturu, Yobe State formerly Gongola State during a National Division 2 League. My mother played for Benue Queens as a winger during her active days and I am proud of her.
“Secondly, I want to be a role model for younger Nigerian players who have taken handball as a source of livelihood. I am happy to be a great ambassador of the Handball Federation of Nigeria in Israel”.
“I must be very honest, it has not been easy adapting to the environment here in Israel but God has helped me make good friends who support me and make life very convenient for me. I have learnt to exercise patience and perseverance in my short stay in Israel; you have to pay attention to every detail if you want to be an excellent player here”, Kelvin said.
He said, “My plan for next season is to play better; there are no holidays for me because I have to train very hard and smart. As a Nigerian plying my trade in the Israel Handball League, I want to win another medal and I know it is possible with the help of God”.
Dele Kelvin has played for COAS Shooters, Delta Force, Confluence Stars and Niger united before joining Maccabi Beer Sheva HC and Hapoel Arad HC in Israel.
