By Sports Reporter/Doha
Tunisia’s experienced playmaker Heykel Megannem commenced his Men’s Handball World Championship saga in Egypt in 1999 at age 22. Sixteen years have passed since his debut game.
The emblematic figure of the Tunisian handball is polishing his armour for one last time before he puts an end to his glorious international career in Qatar.
“I am almost 38 so I guess it is time to call it a day. I know I said the same after the 2012 Olympics, but when I saw the team losing the African title, I decided to offer one last helping hand to my successors.”
Can a 38-year-old player follow the pace of modern handball?
Heykel Megannem: It’s not easy. Handball has evolved rapidly within the last decade. It has become a faster game, more explosive, the players are stronger and everybody pays extreme attention to his physical preparation.
I was lucky to play in the French League for many years and – trust me – you have to try really hard to stay competitive. I have experienced the change of the training regimes, the addition of new elements to the playing style. France’s long spanned domination in handball is not a fluke.
Did Tunisia follow the “French example”, or do you feel you lost the opportunity to build on to the success of the 2005 team?
HM: Tunisia is not a big nation like France. In 2005 we were privileged to have a very talented team. Seven or eight players were already playing in the French League and 13-14 others were also top-class.
But if you really want to stay in touch with the elite you have to have a strong domestic league and a tank of at least 22 world class players. The Tunisian federation has to work hard with grassroots campaigns.
Let us also not forget that in 2005 we surprised everyone. Everybody has been prepared to confront us ever since, like in 2007 when we had an in my opinion even better team.
In 2011 our junior team won bronze at the World Championship and 5-6 players were promoted to the senior’s team. They seem more talented than the old guard, but still they have to build character, acquire handball culture. At the moment they have the potential to beat Germany or Poland and then lose to Brazil.
Which memories, good or bad, will you always remember?
HM: The 2005 World Championship will always stay on my mind. The whole country was backing us. It took us one hour to get back to the hotel after we beat Russia and reached the semi-final!
I will never also forget the 2012 Olympics when I was chosen to bear the Tunisian flag at the opening ceremony, a great honour. Winning the 2010 African title in Egypt was a fantastic feeling and being selected twice as French League’s best player were unforgettable moments as well.
The worst memory I have is the loss to Egypt in 2004 by which we missed the Athens Olympics.
You’ve seen a lot in your career. What may Qatar add to the World Championships’ history?
HM: I believe this event will be the best ever. The accommodation and the venues are awesome.
I hope that one Arabic team – Tunisia preferable – will reach the quarter-finals. It will cause jubilant celebration in the whole Arabic world. Qatar can also go all the way, as they are really strong.”
