Our women’s handball team has been preparing for the new season in Népliget since Monday, with our new signings joining the squad, including two-time Champions League winner and Spanish pivot Lysa Tchaptchet Defo. The 24-year-old was born in Cameroon but has lived in Spain since she was five. In our interview, she told us how she visited “both of her homes” this summer, spoke about her first week of pre-season, and revealed her biggest ambitions in green and white.

– We’ve now completed our first week of pre-season. What are your first impressions?

– I think it has gone really well, and I’m very happy to be part of the team. I had been looking forward to coming here for a long time, and I was really impressed by the training centre and the Fradi complex. The arena, our locker room, everything is simply wonderful. I can see that we have truly professional conditions here.

– How would you describe the atmosphere within the team? It seems like there’s a great atmosphere.

– Yes, it’s really, really good. The girls are fantastic and welcomed me very warmly. We’ve really enjoyed these first few days. We played some padel and took part in fitness assessments and tests, which, of course, isn’t the most exciting part of the job.

In the second half of the week, we started playing more handball, and I’m already really looking forward to playing matches. So yes, I’m enjoying it!

– How do you like Budapest so far? Have you had a chance to do some sightseeing?

– To be honest, I haven’t had time to see anything yet. For now, I’ve been unpacking and focusing on settling in. Maybe I’ll go to a couple of restaurants and have a look around at the weekend. From what I’ve seen while driving, I love the city. I think it’s really, really beautiful, and I can’t wait to properly explore all the hidden little corners of Budapest.

– I understand you had a very eventful summer and visited your family in Cameroon. Did you enjoy your time there?

– It was so good! I hadn’t been to Cameroon for four years, even though I always tell myself that I should go more often. It was wonderful to spend time with my family, and I also met up with some friends. We even organised a small handball tournament, which I’m very proud of. Everything went really well. I love going to Cameroon, and I hope I’ll be able to visit more often in the future.

– You also visited Pamplona and its world-famous Running of the Bulls…

– Of course, because I’m from Pamplona! In Spanish, we call it San Fermín. It’s a very special time of year for us, for everyone from Pamplona. We love being there, looking around and, of course, having fun and partying a little. I can only recommend that everyone come and experience it!

– Do you go every year?

– Yes, because it’s my city. Of course, if I can’t be there because of handball, then I miss it, but otherwise I wouldn’t miss the festival for anything.

– What do you like to do when you’re not playing handball?

– I have many hobbies. I’m quite a spontaneous person, but I would definitely highlight cooking. Not that I’m particularly talented at it, but I cook a lot, and people generally like what I make.

– What’s your best dish?

– I don’t want to sound arrogant, but there are quite a few… Joking aside, it depends on what I feel like making. Sometimes I want to cook something Spanish, while other times I’m in the mood for something African. For example, I can make a special chicken dish with tomato sauce.

– You’re joining Fradi as a two-time Champions League winner. What are your biggest motivations?

– With this team, we can dream big. We have the potential and the talent in the squad to reach every final.

I really want to see the Fradi fans at the MVM Dome. That’s my dream for this season. We have the team to make it happen, and we’re going to fight for it, that’s for sure!

– What do you think you can bring to the team?

– In handball, I think I’ll bring strength and dynamism. I believe I’m a very powerful player, especially in defence, and perhaps I have a slightly different style from Vilde (Vilde Ingstad) and Baba (Réka Bordás). Away from the court, I think I’ll bring some fun and positive energy. I consider myself a very open person, I love having a good time, and I like making people laugh.

– You mentioned the Fradi fans. What have you heard about them? What are you expecting?

– I haven’t just heard about them – I’ve seen them when I played against Fradi. They really create an incredible atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to meeting them, and I’m proud that from this season onwards I’ll be playing for them and for this team.

– Finally, what would you like to say to them? What is your first message to the Fradi fans?

– First of all: give it everything! And let’s have one hell of a great season!