For the men of ZV De Zaan, their first European game ever in club history starts on Thursday. “We play against clubs from countries with a water polo tradition, so I expect tough matches,” says trainer Andreas Miralis.
The EC tournament starts on Thursday in Saloniki, Greece. The North Hollanders are in a group with VK Solaris (Croatia), Ludwigsburg 08 (Germany), Montpellier WP (France), CN Echyade (Spain) and PAOK Saloniki (Greece). The top four teams advance to the next round.
Fundraising
It is not self-evident that the Zaankanters will enter Europe. Many teams withdraw because they cannot afford it financially. In addition to the traditional sponsorship, the players of ZV De Zaan also collected money themselves.
BBQ
They did this through various actions. For example, they organized a barbecue and the players used themselves as golf caddy. “We are already very happy that we can enter Europe. We then do something for it and I liked it too,” says player Thomas Lucas.
The group stage in Salonika is from 13 to 16 October.