Armend Alaj wants to use momentum from World Cup qualification for ThSV Eisenach II!

Armend Alaj wants to use momentum from World Cup qualification for ThSV Eisenach II!

There is great anticipation for the encounter next Saturday, November 8, 2025. ThSV Eisenach II takes on SG Pirna/Heidenau and could benefit from a real high in spirits. This positive energy comes not least from the successful World Cup qualifiers in which Armend Alaj, the Eisenach team's talented right winger, took part for Kosovo. Having beaten Great Britain twice, 32-26 and 35-30, Alaj is well prepared. Not only has he lost four kilos in his training sessions, but he also feels mentally and physically fit to contribute in the upcoming game.

ThSV Eisenach II is currently in 12th place in the regional league of the Central German Handball Association, where 16 teams are fighting for the points this year. Last Sunday there was reason to be happy: with a narrow 27:26 win against HSG Freiberg they brightened the mood and can now travel to Pirna with new self-confidence.

The challenge in Pirna

With a balanced balance of 9:9 points, SG Pirna/Heidenau is currently in 9th place. On average, around 400 spectators come to their home games, which shows that the team has a loyal following. Most recently, Pirna/Heidenau was able to put the guests from Oebisfelde in their place with an impressive 34:20. This robust and well-rehearsed team with a stable defense will pose a real challenge for ThSV Eisenach II.

A special look goes to Ivan Kucharik, the SG's best thrower, who has already scored 47 goals in 9 games. However, there are worry lines in the Eisenacher squad: Duje Miljak is expected to be missing due to a thigh injury, which puts Armend Alaj in a key position. In addition, Jannis Rem cannot play due to illness. A look at the goalkeeper situation: Bastian Freitag and Aron Büchner are available, with Freitag making 22 saves in the last game, which speaks for his form.

Outlook for further games

A look at the schedule reveals that the ThSV Eisenach II team still has some exciting matches ahead of them until the end of the year. These are:

• 15.11.2025: ThSV Eisenach II – LSV Halle
• 22.11.2025: HV R-W Staßfurt – ThSV Eisenach II
• 06.12.2025: HG Köthen – ThSV Eisenach II
• 20.12.2025: ThSV Eisenach II – HC Einheit Plauen

In order to get things under control in the future, the people of Eisenach are working on maintaining their training conditions, despite reduced units due to a career fair in the Werner-Aßmann-Halle. Apart from strategic adjustments and personnel concerns, the mood in the team is described as positive by Qendrim Alaj, the player-coach. He looks forward to the scenery in Pirna and hopes for lively support.

So it remains to be seen whether Alaj and his teammates can successfully convert the momentum from the World Cup qualifiers into the regional league. With such a dedicated performance, the chances are not bad!