Sławomir Szmal playing for VIVE TARGI KIELCE

The contract, which the player has already signed, is effective from July 2011. However, both the club and the goalkeeper intend to put forward his transfer to Kielce.

"I am enormously happy that Sławek has decided to play in Kielce", says jubilantly president of the club, Bertus Servaas. "Acquiring such a top-class player can surely be regarded as our big success. In addition to his excellent skills, Sławek is a man of great character. I am sure that he will significantly strengthen the team. We are making efforts to make it possible for Sławek to start playing with our team no later than in the forthcoming season." adds Servaas. "It depends, however, on the results of the negotiations with Rhein Neckar Lowen, for which Sławek is playing currently. This is why we still have to wait for the decision to be announced."

The player, whom his colleagues in the national team have given the nickname 'Kasa' (‘cash’ – a slang word which is synonymous with what his surname means), has represented Poland as many as 186 times! He has very often shown that he is one of the world's best goal-keepers. A case in point is the last European Championship in Austria, where he was selected for the best 'seven'.

Szmal started his career in his home town, Zawadzkie. Afterwards, he played for Hutnik Kraków, Warszawianka and Wisła Płock. In 2003 he moved to Germany, playing for TuS N-Lubbecke for two years. Then he joined Rhein Neckar Lowen, where he has made the biggest success as yet, being both one of the strongest points of this team and one of the best goalkeepers of the world's strongest handball league.