They come from France, Kosovo, Croatia, and Nigeria, speak different languages, and evolve in very different contexts. Yet Samanda Konjuhaj, Ena Gotal, Brian Divine Okafor, and Baptiste Koehl share the same dream: to progress, push their limits, and turn handball into a true adventure.
Gathered in Chambéry as part of the Champions de Demain program, these four young talents experienced a three-day immersion at the very heart of elite sport. Between training sessions, meetings with professional players, international exchanges, and the Liqui Moly StarLigue match between Chambéry and PSG, each of them leaves with unforgettable memories… but above all, with even greater motivation.
Four profiles, four stories
At just 14 years old, Samanda Konjuhaj already represents Kosovo on the international stage. Regularly competing in European competitions with her national team, she benefits from high-level support that allows her to keep progressing. Despite her young age, she already impresses with her maturity and determination.
Originally from Croatia, Ena Gotal grew up in a true handball family. A Croatian international, this left back was shaped in a demanding environment that helped her develop excellent game reading and strong defensive qualities. Her seriousness and desire to improve are evident in every one of her answers.
Nigeria was represented by Brian Divine Okafor, a player with particularly promising potential. Blessed with impressive physical attributes, he has strong room for development. Behind this power also lies a clear awareness of the effort still required to reach the highest level.
Finally, Baptiste Koehl, a player for Nancy Handball, continues his development as a right wing and right back. A disciplined left-hander with strong commitment, he stands out for his consistency, engagement, and deep passion for the game.
Memories that will last
Among the most memorable moments, one stands out almost unanimously: attending the clash between Chambéry and PSG in a packed arena.
For Ena, the atmosphere created by 4,500 fans was unforgettable:
“The atmosphere in the arena was amazing. It was a great experience to watch such a high-level game live.”
Samanda shared the same excitement:
“It was an indescribable feeling for me in a hall where 4,500 fans were present.”
Brian, meanwhile, will especially remember meeting his idol Elohim Prandi, while Baptiste recalls with emotion stepping onto the court to the applause of the crowd:
“Being applauded by so many people really struck me. If I had to do it again, I would accept immediately.”
Renewed confidence
Beyond the memories, all four participants explain that they learned a lot about themselves.
Ena and Samanda discovered they had more confidence than they initially thought. Both emphasize that discipline, consistency, and daily work are the keys to progress.
Brian realized that despite his potential, the path to the very highest level still requires significant effort:
“No matter how good I think I am, I still have a lot to work on.”
For Baptiste, the experience acted as a real trigger, especially thanks to advice received on shooting confidence.
Handball brings people together
One of the key lessons of this edition is the richness of exchanges between young people from different cultures.
All of them highlight how discussions, shared training sessions, and daily life together helped them learn from one another.
For Baptiste, it also highlighted the importance of speaking English to communicate with players from around the world.
As Samanda sums it up:
“Sport can bring together players from all over the world.”
Inspiring role models
Each player’s inspirations also reflect their personality.
Ena admires Henny Reistad and Mathias Gidsel for their talent, confidence, and passion.
Brian naturally cites Elohim Prandi, whose intensity and commitment he admires.
Baptiste continues to look up to Yannis Lenne, a right wing like him, for his explosiveness and finishing ability.
Samanda prefers to be inspired by all players who reached the top level through hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Dreams to build
Their journeys are still young, but their ambitions are already clear.
Ena aims to join a top club before establishing herself with the Croatian national team.
Samanda dreams of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues, particularly in France.
Brian wants to play in front of thousands of spectators while proudly wearing his family name on his jersey.
Baptiste pursues a goal that perfectly sums up his passion: becoming a professional player.
“Handball is like a drug for me. When I can’t play, I miss it a lot.”
Champions of tomorrow
When asked what defines a Champion de Demain, their answers naturally converge.
Self-belief, relentless work, learning from experience, respect for others, resilience, and mental strength: these are the qualities that consistently emerge from their testimonies.
In the end, these four young athletes already perfectly embody the values of the Champions de Demain program. Beyond talent, they show that ambition, hard work, and openness to others are the true drivers of progress.
A deep dive into their experiences and journeys, through the voices of these four young talents who each, in their own way, explain what it truly means to be a Champion de Demain.