He would hide it out of politeness, or maybe not because his emotions were strong. “To be honest, I don’t know,” Sabrina Zazaï-Ozil rejoiced first. But he knew he wouldn’t be able to hold back his tears. This Friday in Dunkirk, Bisontine, at the age of 31, will wear the uniform of the French women’s handball team for the first time. This was against Angola in the French tournament which was the final preparation for the World Cup (26 November to 14 December) where France would defend their title.
“There will be my parents, my husband in the stands, so obviously there are a lot of emotions. I won’t be embarrassed to cry if I have to cry. I didn’t have the honor of wearing this jersey when I was 20 years old. I’m in my thirties. This shows that we can achieve great things even later than expected. So if emotions have to be there and there will be them, I will welcome them with pleasure” said international news.
In a day, the right winger should not receive this first cap. French born in Grenoble to Algerian parents on the one hand, Moroccan on the other who came very early to the region, Sabrina Zazaï-Ozil played ten times for Algerian selection. “There was a project leading up to the Los Angeles Olympics, but the resources couldn’t keep up. There, you have to know that we played for the love of the jersey, nothing else. I made my father proud, who was a former football player in Algeria. I actually had his number. I played in two competitions. I took part in the Mediterranean Olympics in 2021 and in 2022, I did CAN. I should have had about ten choices, or more,” he delved into his memories.
“With Algeria, everything ended badly”
When you first play for one country, you obviously can’t switch to another country overnight. Paperwork and waiting mark the journey of those wishing to change their sporting citizenship. Therefore, you must respect a period of three years without representing any country before changing your jersey. This 3 year period regarding Sabrina Zazaï-Ozil ends on… November 20, the day before her first selection. Opportunity to do everything well.
“Let’s just say everything is well organized..” he laughed. “We took steps with the international authorities to find out if Sabrina was eligible. She was eligible and I allowed myself to give her this opportunity. It was something that was decided in consultation with her and I think it is very good,” said coach Sébastien Gardillou.
“Stopping playing for Algeria,” continued the double finalist of the Coupe de France with Besançon, “was a personal choice because I had some internal problems, it ended badly. However, I didn’t think about the French team at all at that time. I was focused on my club. But this opportunity has arrived and when there is the possibility of joining, sorry, the best team in the world, how could we refuse it?”.
The obstacles between these two countries were also overcome by Bleues goalkeeper Hatadou Sako. He arrived at the French team two years ago after wearing the Senegal shirt. A month after his first selection, he became world champion. Of course, this gives an idea to those who discover the Blues but don’t like the environment of the French team.
“No, because I studied in the French youth team,” said Sabrina Zazaï-Ozil. I do all categories. I play for Beach Handball. There is a small photo of me on the wall at the entrance to the Maison du Hand in Créteil. I even played for the first team in Beach Handball history with Oriane (Kanor) who I met again. I know many girls, veterans of Besançon. Marie-Hélène Sajka and Camille Depuys were my bridesmaids at my wedding. I’m new, but not too new. It made my integration easier, and the girls are great. There have been only positive things since my arrival.”
At the end of the weekend in the North and the French preparation tournament, Sabrina Zazaï-Ozil will have two options: one against Angola and the second against Japan on Sunday. Will it honor the third World Cup on November 28 against Tunisia in the opener? Not sure yet. Before announcing on Monday the list of those who will take him to defend the world title in Germany and the Netherlands, coach Sébastien Gardillou, who received a generous package for pregnancy (Estelle Nze Minko), injury (Laura Glauser) and uncertainty (Grâce Zaadi) had 21 players at his disposal.
Eighteen will be on the trip, sixteen on the match sheet. Sabrina Zazaï-Ozil is one of those balanced players. “I know I come here as a number 3 right winger. There are Lulu (Lucie Granier) and Alicia (Toublanc) in front of me. Clear, clean and determined by Sébastien. Now, if he calls me, it’s because he knows that if there are problems with either of the two for the World Cup, he can count on me. It’s up to me to show that I deserve to be there and that I have the level, if necessary, in the World Cup.”
