SV Kampong are gunning for a second EHL Males’s title this week after they blew the competitors vast open with their memorable win over reigning champions Bloemendaal final October.
Jip Janssen’s 52nd minute rocket fired them to a 2-1 win, ending their Dutch rivals three-year maintain on the Alain Danet Trophy in dramatic model.
For Derck de Vilder, it was a formative second: “We wished to win that one actually unhealthy. We all know Bloemendaal so effectively, performed them rather a lot prior to now few years and know plenty of them from the nationwide staff.
“The video games are all the time shut and really robust, determined by little particulars however this was a distinct form of sport – a knock-out match in Barcelona, it was actually unusual – one other venue, one other metropolis removed from residence.
“However, in the long run, it’s only a hockey sport. Possibly it was even larger as a result of we wished it actually unhealthy to play within the FINAL8 so we have been very motivated and that win gave us plenty of confidence.”
It means a FINAL8 date with Belgian champions Gantoise and a extra on-field position than a 12 months in the past when he was current on the EHL with twin pursuits – his ambassador position with the Hockey Desires Basis and in addition supporting his brother Morris, taking part in for Pinoké.
The Hockey Desires Basis – additionally a companion of EuroHockey – will as soon as once more be current within the EHL village, amassing sticks to assist their mission. All guests who’ve previous, unused sticks are inspired to drop them into their assortment level on the FINAL8.
“They need to assist younger youngsters and folks in Africa via hockey,” de Vilder explains. “They educate individuals how one can grow to be hockey trainers and how one can construct robust private values and work in a superb setting, to be respectful of one another. They make a distinction via the facility of sport and hockey.
“It is rather useful for Hockey Desires to be there, amassing sticks and be part of EuroHockey as a result of it’s worldwide. It’s well-known in Holland however not that a lot in Europe but so it’s a excellent partnership. I hope lots of people will cease by within the village and drop of their sticks!”
As for the supporter position to Morris; each grew up at Pinoké and so the connection was further robust: “In fact, you need to be there and play! However I’m a brother and need to see him play effectively and cheer for him at his first EHL.
“Final 12 months, Pinoké the turned champion. After I performed, we performed for the underside locations [in the Hoofdklasse]. Afterwards they shifted and received some momentum, sitting close to the highest of the league and taking part in for each trophy. They’re now one of many prime groups and it’s nice to see!”
The form of the draw means they might doubtlessly meet within the GRAND FINAL on Easter Monday.
Kampong’s draw is a tricky one, dealing with Gantoise with both Rot-Weiss Köln or Royal Léopold within the FINAL4 ought to they advance.
De Vilder says his facet are in fine condition for the problem; he described final week’s 1-0 win over Rotterdam as their greatest efficiency of the season they usually backed it up with a Gold Cup semi-final win and a 3-1 success over Den Bosch.
“All eyes on the EHL on Friday and we’re very excited to begin towards Gantoise. “They’re probably the greatest groups now in Europe – plenty of worldwide gamers from Belgium, France and Eire. General, they’re actually good and it’s an thrilling match-up. We’ll see however will probably be a tricky match.”