By
David Gold
Israel’s Handball Association has announced that Britain’s coach Dragan Djukic will take over their national team after this summer’s Olympic Games.
Djukic, who contract expires after the Games, has been in charge of the British team since 2009. He had previously been linked with a move to Russia.
The 50-year-old, who speaks five languages, has previously coached in the Middle East, with Jordan, as well as Macedonia.
“I want to establish here a squad that will match the players and their qualities,” Djukic said. “We have two players, Hen Pomeranz and Avishay Smoler, who play in Germany, and we need to find more players who are willing to dedicate themselves to reaching the top.”
Dukan, who has agreed a four-year deal, has set his sights on helping Israel qualify for the 2014 European Handball Championships after they missed out on qualification for the Olympics and next year’s World Championships.