New record after 66 years
© Imago
Jadiel Pereira da Gama by Pec Zwolle wrote Eredivisie history on Friday evening. With his substitution in the 88th minute on the 2nd matchday against promoted SC Telstar (2-0), the midfield talent at the age of 15 and eight months has become the youngest debutant in the Dutch Oberhaus. Pereira da Gama replaces Wim Kras after 66 years, who in November 1959, at the age of 15, nine months and 17 days for Volendam, played his first.
“15 years and 243 days? I didn’t know that, no,” Pereira da Gama admitted to “ESPN” after the final whistle. “I haven’t really realized it yet. I think I have to sleep over it first, then I will be aware of it.” He got only a few instructions from coach Henry van der Vegt. “What he said? Just: Have fun and do your best,” says the youngster.
Of course he was nervous, added Pereira da Gama. “I found it really exciting, but when you step onto the field. The broad grin no longer left his face after the final whistle. “Unfortunately, my family was not there today, I only had an admission ticket,” said Pereira da Gama, who had no contact with his acquaintances at the time. “My cell phone is empty right now, so I have to look on the bus.”
When asked about the goals for the season, Pereira da Gama was joking. “Champions League,” he said. With Pec Zwolle? “Yes, we are in the top priority, so …” The table tenth of the pre-season started with two victories in the new season and was at least overnight before the other games of the 2nd match day at the Eredivi tip.