North Macedonia strengthen squad: Ukrainian left back Dmytro Horiha joins Kiril Lazarov’s team!
The North Macedonian national handball team has received a significant boost ahead of the EHF EURO 2028 qualifiers, as Ukrainian-born left back Dmytro Horiha has been cleared to represent the country and will be immediately available to head coach Kiril Lazarov.
The news was confirmed by Macedonian Handball Federation (RFM) president Aleksandar Stefanov during a meeting with journalists.
With his powerful shooting ability, Champions League experience and international background, Horiha is expected to add quality, depth and firepower to North Macedonia’s backcourt.
“I believe we are getting a player who will bring significant quality and make a major contribution. He is at the peak of his career, and we hope that his arrival will help us improve and achieve better results in the future,” Stefanov said.
Horiha received his Macedonian passport two years ago but had to complete the required waiting period under IHF regulations before becoming eligible to switch national teams. With that process now completed, he is available for selection.
Before switching his international allegiance, Horiha was a regular member of the Ukrainian national team and one of its key players at left back. He made more than 20 official appearances and scored approximately 60 goals for Ukraine.
He represented Ukraine at the EHF EURO 2020 and also participated in qualification campaigns for subsequent European and World Championships.
Stefanov emphasized that North Macedonia are entering the upcoming qualification campaign with high ambitions and a clear objective: securing a place at the EHF EURO 2028.
North Macedonia will begin their qualifying campaign at home against Luxembourg on November 4, before travelling to Greece for their second match on November 8.
