ShopCaptain and the debut of a rare goal-scoring man who leads Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto
Liga NEXUS ENERGIA ASOBAL
The fifth round of the Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL is directly marked by the 'Match of the Round' between Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto and HORNEO BM. Alicante (Friday, October 9, 19:00, ASOBAL TV and Teledeporte), the first edition of the Valencian derby within the professional competition framework. An event that fully enters the extensive legacy of ASOBAL handball, among great idols, memorable photographs, and the constant pursuit of breaking records. Antonio Capitán stands out from the rivalry and wide variety of talent. He already shines with the status of protagonist after a major breakthrough and a 'rare bird' in the Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL.
The left back of Sergio Mallo's team, 24 years old, has become one of the faces of the early part of the calendar, demonstrating an innate scoring ability, ranking second in the overall ranking of top offensive specialists, only behind Gonzalo Pérez Arce. Performance from the very beginning, a D-day and H-hour in the form of a debut that ended with a victory against ABANCA Ademar León and a record of 10 goals from 12 shots and the 'MVP of the Round' award, leaving a first mark on the national scene.
"I am not aware of what I am achieving. I am sharing the court and facing players I used to watch from afar and on television when I was a little kid. The MVP was a surprise for me because it was my debut, in front of our fans, and it was very special. The league has such a high level of competitiveness that you don't have time to stop and think about what you are or aren't achieving. What I do believe is that I am performing well and that I want to keep going," explains Capitán, squeezing a success story being cooked little by little in the present, without chosen wands, shaping his talent to be a differentiator among the best.
The player from Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto has reached the elite in a stage of sporting maturity, gathering experience and background, moving from being a defensive specialist far from the ASOBAL brand to consolidating himself as one of the most efficient creators in the opponent's court in the Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL. “Until recently, I had the role of defensive specialist. And honestly, I never thought I would one day debut in the professional competition. When I started in handball in my hometown of Estepa, a town in Seville, the most important thing was to have fun and meet new people. I got into handball because the first coach I had did a talent scouting at the school where I studied, and I was selected,” he explains, showing roots and connection to his land. “I feel tremendous pride representing my town across the country and in ASOBAL handball. It’s a way to thank both my family and friends there for always being by my side, believing in me, and trusting me at all times,” he insists.
A path written through hard work and the normality of the training rooms, without ostentation, until becoming one of the references of a Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto with great competitive pulse in its return to the Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL. “Getting here, to ASOBAL handball, has made me keep having new challenges. It excites me a lot to see my name there. It’s not something that keeps me awake at night; I just want to compete at my best in every match,” comments Capitán, still internalizing the dimension of being part of the professional competition.
“What has surprised me most about this category is the high level in every match. I have noticed a big leap compared to the División de Honor Plata in terms of squad composition and the individual quality of the players. On the other hand, also, the atmosphere you breathe in every single arena, weekend after weekend, both in ours and in those we travel to,” he points out.
The Andalusian scorer has clear priorities, among the big spotlights, a self-demand that has defined his competitive character and the collective aspect, his great goal. “The goal, collectively speaking, can only be to maintain the category. If my goals help the team to earn points each round, I will be even happier. Individually, I would like in the future to be able to compete in European competitions and, of course, to receive a call from the national team someday,” he says confidently. His next challenge is the derby against HORNEO BM. Alicante.
