Interview with Katarina Keti Maloca,captain of Croatian national team,
now player of French team Aix-En-Province

(you can read this interview in other languages - check navigation on the right)

ISM: Eight years ago, you went to play out of Croatia,tell us where to,and how did you adapt there?

Katarina: First two years I played for turkish team Besiktas, after I left to Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv. I didn't adapt well in Israel and at the end of the season I left to play in Italy, Sicily, Priolo. After that, I went back to Turkey where I was for the next 4 years (Ari Colej, Botas and Mersin). Turkey is
my second home cause I spent the best of my years there.

ISM: It was a long time ago,but try to remember your first days and weeks in Istanbul?

Katarina: You can't forget that easily. There was a lot of people from former Yugoslavia,so I spoke croatian most of the time and it didn't feel like I was away from home. My first year I was lucky to meet Mira Kalic-Draskicevic, my menager and my right hand till this day...

ISM:  You are the first girl from Croatia who came to play in Turkey, and so is Korana Longin Zanze.

Katarina:  Right. Koki, Ranela and me.

ISM:  Your good games openned the door for many girls from Croatia to come to play in Turkish league.

Katarina:  You could say so... There was a lot of girls from Croatia coming after us.

ISM:  You learned turkish language,met a lot of friends, what are your impressions from Turkey?

Katarina:  It took me a while to learn turkish but i finally did... All the best of Turkey, I could always go back there. I can't count all of my friends cause I might forget someone and I would have some serious problems, ha, ha...

ISM:  Compare Israel, Italian and Turkish leagues?

Katarina:  All the same,4 foreigners in each team.

ISM:  Last season you played at home and won the championship with Gospic. How was at home?

Katarina:  I wanted to try in Croatia. It was good, but could have been better. But when you win gold, you forget all the problems...

ISM:  Next you are going out again. You had offers from France, Gospic, and the Turks wanted to see you there again. Why France?

Katarina:  I have to try something new... Honestly, there are financial reasons also...

ISM:  Enough of basketball, tell us more about yourself?

Katarina:  Car - Audi
    Parfume - Allure Chanel
    Favorite meal - all but no lamb
    Mobile - Nokia
    Creator - I'm not into fashion
    Country - Turkey
    City - Zagreb

ISM:  Is there someone more important than basketball?

Katarina:  Everything comes first, career, boyfriend, family, friends... I can keep it all together...

ISM:  At the end, something about ISM?

Katarina:  Only the best... They are great to me and to other players. I have to mention Vesko Draskicevic, who is, together with my menager Mira, helping us a lot and who is always there for us...

ISM: We wish you good health and a lot of accomplishments in your career...

International Sports Management