A 33-23 victory over Energa Bank PBS MMTS Kwidzyn gave NETLAND MKS Kalisz a winning start to its preseason, in its first friendly ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. At Kalisz Arena, the hosts pulled away after a tense opening. A switch to aggressive defense proved decisive. Head coach Rafał Kuptel said the team’s defensive intensity from the 15th minute turned the match, allowing Kalisz to force turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks.
The match also marked the first appearance of new central playmaker Mateusz Chabior in NETLAND MKS colors. Chabior said preseason results should be viewed with caution, though a ten-goal win over a strong opponent would boost the squad’s confidence. He also stressed the importance of the current phase, as the team takes on demanding running and strength sessions to build physical readiness for the season ahead.
Kalisz has several more friendlies scheduled in the coming weeks. The next match open to fans is set for August 28 at Kalisz Arena, where NETLAND MKS will face Rebud KPR Ostrovia. This preseason period is impressive for integrating new players and refining tactical systems before official competition resumes.
The clubs went on to compete in Poland’s 2026/27 Lotto Superliga. Later results included a 29-28 Kalisz victory over KGHM Chrobry Głogów and a 26-25 win for MMTS Kwidzyn against Handball Stal Mielec, putting the preseason meeting in the context of a competitive league campaign. Kalisz also hosted Olympiakos Piraeus at Arena Kalisz in European competition, showing the venue’s place in the club’s schedule.
Preseason friendlies give established and emerging teams a chance to test tactical adjustments and squad depth. In recent months, the sporting world has seen high-profile incidents and comebacks, including debate over Paula Badosa’s return to the WTA Top 100 after a controversial moment in Iasi. For more on how such events can affect athletes’ momentum, see this analysis of the fallout from Badosa’s semifinal incident.
Handball is one of Poland’s most popular indoor sports, and clubs like NETLAND MKS Kalisz regularly compete at the top level. Preseason matches help teams assess their readiness and engage local supporters ahead of the new season. The coaching staff’s focus on defensive organization and physical conditioning reflects broader trends in modern handball, where transitions and intensity often decide outcomes. As the 2026/27 season approaches, fans and rivals alike will be watching Kalisz’s early form and squad development.
