Krottendorf Wildcats renew bid for women’s Bundesliga promotion

The Krottendorf Wildcats will begin a renewed bid for promotion to the women’s Bundesliga after winning the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga last season but remaining in the division because they did not meet the required licensing criteria, ORF reports.

The club from Krottendorf near Weiz has since made improvements, including in its youth programme. It is working closely with TSV Hartberg and St. Ruprecht/Raab to develop players for its senior team, sports director Robert Kager said.

The campaign to defend the title and secure promotion begins on Thursday with a Styrian derby against GAK. The match in Krottendorf starts at 7.30 p.m.

“A Styrian derby against GAK is a worthy start to the season,” Kager said. Coach Michael Heil added that he was confident the team would perform at full strength.

The squad currently includes 19 outfield players and three goalkeepers. The transfer window remains open, allowing the club to make further signings. Heil described the preparation period as mixed and said the team needed to remain hungry.

He named Wacker Innsbruck, Austria Klagenfurt and Landhaus as other contenders for promotion to the women’s Bundesliga.