NAC icon and former football international Kees Kuijs was commemorated on Tuesday evening before the practice match between the Netherlands and Ecuador. Both teams came together in the center circle and then there was a moment of applause in the Philips Stadium before kick-off.
Kuijs (94) played for NAC Breda and HFC Haarlem and played 43 international matches between 1955 and 1962. He was the oldest living former international of the Dutch national team.
Kuijs, born in Anna Paulowna, was known as a strong and reliable left back. His qualities were even recognized by Johan Cruijff, who included him in his selection for the ‘Orange of the Century’.
Crowd favorite
From 1955, Kuijs played as a semi-professional for NAC Breda, where he became a permanent fixture in the left back position. With his dedication, overview and reliability, he quickly became a crowd favorite. In his first season he was immediately close to a national title with NAC, but he narrowly missed out.
Closely connected with NAC
After his playing days, Kuijs became head of the physiotherapy department at the Breda Rehabilitation Center. He also remained active in football. For example, he was a caregiver and technical director at NAC and served on the disciplinary committee of the KNVB.
