KIF Kolding has won the Danish Handball Championship a record 14 times and the cup tournament eight times.
The club have played in the top division since 1984 and has dominated the Danish domestic league for more than 40 years. But judging from their current form, their days among the elite handball clubs in Denmark could soon be outnumbered.
Kolding are currently propping up the standings in the domestic league and are without a win in their last matches. Kolding director, Christian Hjermand, who took part in winning the Danish title in 2005 and 2006, admits that the club is staring relegation right in the eye.
"That wouldn't be good. There should be no doubt about that. Koldings core identity is based on the fact that last year we celebrated 40 years at the top and are thus the only club in the country that has played in the top division for over 40 years", says Christian Hjermind in a podcast for dr.dk
The last time Kolding won the Danish title was in 2015 but the club, who in March 2018 went back to their original name after KIF Kolding København was formed in August 2012, has since been haunted by threats of bankruptcy. They also barely escaped relegation in 2022 when a goal three seconds from the end against TTH Holstebro kept them in the league.
"We have a a great history, but if we look at the last seven-eight-nine years, we have lived a life at the wrong end of the table", says Christian Hjermind.
There are four matches remaining in the regular season and a virtual miracle is needed if Kolding isn't going to end in last place and be relegated. The expected crucial encounter will take place on 9 April, when Kolding face Grindsted who are equal on points with Kolding but has a better goal difference.
"I have a strong belief that when it comes to a decisive match against Grindsted, we will find the extra percentages needed. It will be the decisive match, unless something completely crazy happens over the next few matches, so I would think that will be the one that decides it", says Hjermind
Kolding will also desperately be hoping to get points on the table when they face Skjern Handball at thome in the Sydbank Arena Saturday afternoon.