Sara Zakula joins the Radnicki women's handball team

Sara Zakula has joined the Radnicki women's handball team in Kragujevac. The seventeen-year-old plays as a pivot. She arrives with experience from three Belgrade clubs and Serbian youth teams.

Zakula began playing handball at the age of nine with RK Beograd. She later represented ORK Beograd and Partizan. Her youth international record includes thirty-two appearances for Serbia.

Radnicki identified her work near the six-metre line and in central defence. The move adds another young player to the squad. Zakula now continues her senior development in Kragujevac.

Three Belgrade clubs shaped Zakula's early career

Zakula entered organised handball through RK Beograd. Starting at nine gave her time to learn every basic movement. Coaches later directed her toward the pivot position.

ORK Beograd provided the next stage of competitive training. She faced stronger opponents and more detailed defensive systems. The role demanded contact, balance and quick decisions near goal.

A later period with Partizan placed her inside another major Serbian club. Training there added experience around senior standards. Zakula also continued playing through the national youth structure.

The three clubs offered different teams without changing her main role. She remained most useful around the six-metre line. That continuity helped Radnicki assess her profile clearly.

Her move to Kragujevac therefore follows several years of visible progress. It is not her first change of environment. Zakula already understands how to learn new calls and teammates.

Zakula's route covers RK Beograd, ORK Beograd and Partizan before her move to Kragujevac. Each club added competitive minutes at a different age. She made thirty-two youth appearances for Serbia during those club seasons. Radnicki therefore receive a player with experience in several changing groups.

Sara Zakula poses after joining the Radnicki women's handball team.

The pivot works in the most crowded area

A pivot spends much of the attack between central defenders. The available space is small and disappears quickly. Good timing matters before the ball even reaches that area.

Zakula uses contact to hold a legal position near the line. She also turns toward goal when a pass arrives. Those actions create shots or space for the backcourt players.

The role includes screens and short movements that do not enter the statistics. When a defender follows the pivot, another passing lane opens. Radnicki gains value from those quieter actions.

Catching under pressure remains another essential skill. The pivot often receives the ball with a defender touching both shoulders. A secure first contact protects the attacking move.

Zakula has developed these habits through youth club and national matches. Senior defenders bring greater strength and experience. Her existing role gives the transition a clear foundation.

Defence adds a second important responsibility

Radnicki also highlighted Zakula's defensive work in the central positions. Those areas face the strongest backcourt shooters and opposing pivots. Communication becomes essential before every attack develops.

A central defender watches the ball while tracking movement behind her. One late step opens a direct shot from six metres. Zakula has learned to share that space with nearby teammates.

Her position between the third and fourth defensive places brings regular contact. It also requires discipline when attackers change direction. Unnecessary fouls give the opponent an easier possession.

Youth international games exposed her to several attacking styles. Some teams rely on powerful pivots, while others use faster circulation. That variety supports her arrival in domestic senior handball.

Radnicki now adds those defensive qualities to its training group. The club described them as part of her current game. Regular senior minutes provide the next comparison.

Serbia youth matches broadened her preparation

Zakula has recorded thirty-two appearances across Serbian youth selections. Those matches place players beside new teammates and coaches. Preparation periods are also shorter than at club level.

A national team camp requires fast learning and clear communication. Players cannot rely only on habits from one club. Zakula has repeated that adjustment across several youth windows.

International opponents also bring unfamiliar defensive and attacking patterns. The experience expands the number of situations a player recognises. That recognition helps when senior matches become faster.

Radnicki receives a young pivot with more than domestic club training. Zakula has already carried Serbian responsibilities in her age groups. The move keeps her inside a competitive national league.

Kragujevac now becomes the next setting in a steady handball path. Zakula arrives with a defined position and verified youth experience. Radnicki adds depth around both attack and defence.

The transfer takes her outside Belgrade for the next stage of senior handball. Radnicki gain a young pivot with experience near the six-metre line. Zakula also brings work from central defence. Those confirmed qualities explain the club's decision.