Playing a match as a modest amateur player against Frank de Boer, Aron Winter and Simon Tahamata. That dream will come true for Frederik de Nerée this afternoon at 2 p.m. He never played in the first team of Royal HFC, but bid about 550 euros at an auction for a place in the selection of the Legends team. In the traditional New Year’s game, the team from Haarlem will compete against the ex-internationals.
In his youth on January 1, the 52-year-old HFC player regularly watched when the Orange stars came to Spanjaardslaan. “That was a big event. As a little man you could see and touch the players of the Dutch national team.” When there was an auction a while ago for the new HFC club house to be built, De Nerée did not hesitate for a moment. One of the lottery tickets was playing minutes in the New Year’s competition. “A childhood dream,” he says.
How much did you have to pay?
“I thought the opening bid was 100 euros. There were several bidders. I wanted it so badly that I didn’t pay much attention to the final amount in the end. I think 550 euros, I have yet to receive the invoice. it was a unique experience. I thought it was worth it. You can’t buy something like this anywhere else.”
Can you play a little football?
“I play football every Saturday with the veteran team of HFC. The speed and level is of course significantly lower there. On Thursday evening I trained with the HFC selection in preparation. There are a few guys who have played in the first team not so long ago played, so I had to run twice as fast, haha.”
Are you nervous before the match?
“I’m not nervous. I’m especially looking forward to it. It’s nice to play against those men who used to hang on the posters on the wall of your bedroom. They are a bit like the sons of the gods of the Olympus of the past. They have all played World Cup, European Championship and Champions League finals. And I can play at the same level for half an hour or an hour. No, it’s more like: wow! I saw that Aron Winter (55 years old, 84 international matches) older than me, so I should be able to manage that with running. Although of course he has much more technique and insight. Others will have to stand against Eljero Elia (35 years old, 30 international matches). I think I am a bit too old before.”
Who is your favorite player?
Simon Tahamata (66 years old, 22 international matches) was already in the Dutch national team when I was really young. I think that’s the most unique. He’s probably fitter than half the team. But very consciously I experienced John van ‘t Schip (59 years old, 41 international matches) in ’88 and Frank de Boer (52 years old, 112 international matches) in 1998. I saw Glenn Helder (54 years old, 4 international matches) play for Arsenal in London, so that is also nice.
Are you in base?
“On Thursday the line-up was very mysterious, just like with a real international match. We’ll see how long I play. Nothing has been agreed on. Let’s hope it will be something, but I have faith in that.”