Simon Tahamata received a guard of honor from the supporters prior to Ajax – FC Utrecht. The former player is saying goodbye after ten years as a technique coach at the club. He leaves for Berlin, where he starts working at a football school he set up himself. Tahamata’s farewell took place in a completely Moluccan style.
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Supporters of AFCA Maluku, among others, were present at the reception at the main entrance of the Johan Cruijff Arena. That group mainly consists of Moluccan Ajax supporters. “That was a very big surprise,” says an emotional Tahamata. “I have no words for it. I didn’t expect this, I thought the club would organize something, but these are my own people waving goodbye to me. I have experienced everything we have in our culture today, there I am I am very grateful to them for that.”
Career
Tahamata played 149 matches for Ajax 1 between 1976 and 1980. He then left for Belgium, where he played for Standard Liège, Beerschot and Germinal Ekeren. In between he also played for Feyenoord for three seasons. Tahamata was also an international player: he played 22 international matches with the Dutch national team.
After his playing career, Tahamata became a youth coach. At Ajax he was that over two periods. Between 2004 and 2009 and between 2014 and now.
To thank
“Simon’s departure marks the end of an era, but we will not forget this beloved Ajax player,” writes AFCA Supportersclub on Instagram. “The combination of club love and the good relationship with supporters makes Simon Tahamata a unique person. He is an example for former Ajax players to transfer experience and knowledge to the youth at De Toekomst.”
“We would also like to thank Simon for his dedication and contribution to the club: Simon, thank you very much and good luck with your football academy.”