Krim Mercator was born in 1984, when a group of enthusiasts gathered the courage to found a club that would become synonymous with top-class women’s handball in the decades to come. Despite limited resources, the founders, led by Cveta Benet, were committed to building a strong and stable handball midfield.
In just a few years, Krim has gone from the local to the international scene, becoming one of the most recognised and respected women’s handball clubs in Europe.
Already in the 1990s, Krim started to gain international recognition and built a strong team, which soon began to win Slovenian and international laurels.
The most important moments in the club’s history, where Zoran Janković, current Mayor of the City of Ljubljana and Honorary President of the club, left an indelible mark, came at the beginning of the new millennium, when Krim Mercator, under the leadership of Tonet Tiselj, won its two biggest titles in the EHF Champions League.
The first highlight came in 2001, when the Krimov women defeated Viborg HK from Denmark in the grand final and won the European title for the first time. In 2003, Krim repeated the success and won the European title once again, beating Valencia of Spain in the final.
See the photo gallery of the event HERE.
We still remember players like Branka Mijatović, Deja Doler, Tanja Oder, Nataša Derepasko, Anja Frešer, Luminita Dinu and others who rose to the top of Europe with Krim.
30 consecutive seasons in the EHF Champions League
Krim Mercator is today the club that can boast the longest uninterrupted run in the EHF Champions League. We are talking about 30 consecutive seasons. This is an achievement that testifies to the club’s top work, perseverance and dedication.
There are not many clubs in any sport that can boast such a long-standing presence at the highest level.
Over the past 29 seasons, many top players have taken the court, creating a rich history with their play and dedication, and bringing countless unforgettable moments to the fans.
The club enters its 30th European season under the expert guidance of head coach Dragan Adžić, assistant coach Žiga Novak, goalkeeper coach Aljaž Pavlič, fitness coach Marko Felja, physiotherapist Adi Muharemović, medical team members Živa Otoničar and Miha Krevs, video analyst Tom Legen, doctor Klemen Stražar and team manager Jaka Kravanja.
The following 23 players will defend the colours of Krim: Barbara Arenhart, Maja Vojnovič, Amra Pandžić, Dijana Đajić, Jovanka Radičević, Alja Varagić, Philomena Egger, Tamara Mavsar, Jennifer Gutierrez, Ema Abina, Tjaša Stanko, Ana Abina, Betchaidelle Ngombele, Milica Ignjatović, Itana Grbić, Nina Zulić, Tatjana Brnović, Hawa N’Diaye, Tea Pogorelc, Elena Erceg, Grace Zaadi Deuna, Tamara Horaček and Ana Gros.
The all-time top scorer of the Slovenian national team takes over the captain’s armband in the new season from her colleague Barbara Lazović, who has hung up her handball shoes.
Krim Mercator is preparing with unwavering enthusiasm for the new 2024/2025 season, in which it will once again compete for the top spots in the EHF Champions League.
The team is made up of a mix of experienced players and young talents who will continue the club’s tradition and fight for new victories.
A new logo as a stepping stone to the future
On the occasion of this important milestone, the club is pleased to present its new corporate identity, created in collaboration with the renowned design studio arnoldvuga+. The new Club image combines tradition and modernity, reflected in a sophisticated combination of classic and contemporary design elements.
The club’s logo has been refreshed with a minimalist and elegant design, combining elements of the blue colour typical of Krim Mercator and the symbol of two raised hands with a ball, which together form the letter “K”.
The designers, David Fartek and Radovan Arnold, followed the idea that the crest should reflect the strength, team spirit and commitment that have characterised the club throughout its decades of existence.
The new overall graphic design is a symbol of a step forward, uniting the past and the future and promising to continue the rich tradition of victories and successes.
The world stands on youth
In line with the club’s new strategy, which is based, among other things, on the gradual integration of young Kirma and top Slovenian players into the Krim Mercator first team, the young players from the handball school walked the blue catwalk at the event. Dressed in sustainable fashion clothing made from former Krim jerseys, balls and sportswear.
These unique creations are the result of a sustainable project implemented in collaboration between RK Krim Mercator, the Faculty of Sport and the Department of Textile and Clothing Design at the University of Ljubljana, under the mentorship of renowned designer Almira Sadar.
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the Krim Mercator Handball Club looks back on its past with respect and gratitude, and looks forward to the future with optimism.
The Club would like to express its sincere gratitude to all its partners, sponsors, supporters and members who have stood by over the decades and helped to co-create this remarkable story.
With bold steps, the club continues its journey in European handball, where it aims to maintain high standards and set new milestones.
FOTO: Kolektiff