Huba Vajda: 'With the fans, we are capable of anything

The players of the ETO University Handball Team started their preparations for the long-awaited NBI season in mid-July. Compared to last year, the team roster has changed, so we will introduce our new players in a series. In the fifth part, Vajda Huba, who hails from Győr, will be introduced. 

His career began in Győr, and after playing for several clubs, Vajda Huba has returned home to the city. You can read the interview conducted with him now.

For fans of handball in Győr, you are no stranger. Still, enlighten us about how you got acquainted with handball and why you chose this particular sport?

At the elementary school I attended, many students played handball. The school's coach encouraged me to join, as my siblings had also trained under him. I used to kayak as well, but I switched to handball. I really enjoyed the game, so I decided to stick with it.

That raises an interesting question for me. How difficult was it to switch from an individual sport to a team sport?

Elég fiatal voltam, ezért szerintem nem alakultak ki különböző skillek vagy képesség, amivel szorosabban kötődtem volna a kajakhoz. Egyébként az én személyiségem is inkább közel áll a csapatsportokhoz.

Then do you consider yourself a true team player? I have asked many of you what your negative and positive qualities are?

Which one should I start with? I’ll begin with what I think is my negative quality, which is that I tend to overthink things and draw far-reaching conclusions from small details that only exist in my mind. As for my positive quality, I would highlight that I am very diligent and always try to bring out the best in myself. I also try to pass this on to others. I would say that I am a good team player.

Returning to handball, why did you choose the pivot position?

As a child, I had a bit of extra weight, which made it difficult to maneuver around. My body structure also resembles that of a pivot player, so it was obvious that I would stay in that position.

What is it about your position that caught your interest? Did it present any challenges, or did it come more easily to you?

The challenge might stem from the fact that it's somewhat of a vulnerable position, meaning that success doesn't solely depend on us. A pivot isn't necessarily measured by goals scored. What I enjoy about my position are the contacts involved. The "wrestling" aspect appeals to me, and I also appreciate that the position requires a lot of creativity.

We know that your career started in Győr, but how did your journey unfold before you returned to Győr?

Yes, I started playing in Győr, and if I think about it, I was away from the city for a total of nine years. When I started high school, I was approached by the academy in Balatonfüred to come play there. My family and I agreed to give it a chance. Here, I progressed through the age group teams all the way to the adult team. I would call this a very successful period. When I entered the adult NBI scene, I went to Veszprém KKFT, where I spent two years, then I returned to Balatonfüred. After that, I played a year in Tatabánya, and now I've returned to Győr.

How difficult was the transition?

I wouldn't say it was difficult at all, but it wasn't exactly easy either. Here at ETO, they offered me a very good opportunity. With my return, I can be close to my family again, which is very important to me.

The team has been training together for over a month now, and you’ve had several practice matches. How do you see the developing roster?

I believe that a really great little team is starting to form, one that finds common ground not just on the court but also off it. We've talked a lot with the guys about how, when the roster was formed, they found a very good balance between youth and experience. I really enjoy going to the locker room and training because I'm surrounded by good people. So far, we've played several matches that have been beneficial for our preparation.

The team's clear goal is to avoid the seesaw effect and become a stable member of the NBI. What are your personal goals for the season?

I want to be a stable part of the squad and contribute to the team's good performance. I believe that on my position, success isn't really measured in goals; rather, a good block for a teammate or solid defense is much more important.

Do you have any habits or rituals that you usually do before matches?

Actually, in the morning I take my dog for a walk, then for lunch, I cook myself a creamy tuna pasta, and that's how I prepare. It's important for me to eat this dish on every match day.

When you have some free time, what do you like to do? What helps you relax between your regular training sessions?

In my free time, I enjoy playing and walking with my dog. I also really love cooking. These activities help me unwind in my daily life.

What message do you have for the Győr fans?

Even before the season starts, it is clear that a very good team is beginning to form. I believe that with the support of the fans, we can turn the Magvassy into a real cauldron. With the help of the fans, we can achieve anything, and together we can reach our goals.

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