1/2 Trainer Hans van Dijk addresses his players (photo: Kees Klerkx).
It will probably be the very last game of the handball players of Red-Rad Tachos from Waalwijk at the highest level. On Saturday, the team will play the decisive match against Handbal Houten, where a 32-22 defeat must be made up to prevent relegation. On paper it seems like an almost impossible challenge for the Waalwijkers, but trainer Hans van Dijk remains confident. “Miracles happen more often in top sport.”
The fact that Tachos became champion in the Eredivisie last season was already a historic achievement in club history. It was therefore no surprise that the season as a debutant at the highest level, the BENE league, would be a difficult one.
Because Tachos is a ‘little one’ compared to various superpowers in handball country. Many opponents have internationals under contract and players receive a salary. There are none at Tachos and in terms of ‘salary’ the Waalwijkers make do with a travel allowance. In Waalwijk they train three times a week, less than most competitors.
“We have thrown talents to the lions.”
But coach Hans van Dijk dared to compete at the highest level with the championship team. “They learn more from duels against stronger opponents than another season in the Eredivisie, where they have much less opposition.”
Early in the season, two basic players were seriously injured. And the last games two players fell out with injuries, so that a very young team remained. “We have thrown talents to the lions. They were in the field against guests who are on average five or six years older. I’m not going to hide behind injuries, but the fact is that it was difficult to absorb.”
Tachos only won twice in the competition: against last-placed HC AtomiX. Defeats followed against the other five Belgian and five Dutch teams. Tachos therefore plays the play-offs for enforcement. But in the first leg the handball players from Houten were a; much too strong. Relegation is a fact for Tachos on Saturday, unless it causes a huge stunt.
Hans: “The opponent was more stable and deservedly won. In the return we go full steam ahead for the win. A big win is not impossible, because if we keep playing our own game, we have a good team.”
“These young guys have made a lot of progress at the highest level.”
According to Hans, the year in the BENE-League has certainly not failed with relegation. “These young guys have made a lot of progress at the highest level. Next season they can take a new step in their development with the experience gained.”
Saturday is his last match as Tachos trainer for former international Hans. Next season he will be in the selection of Bevo Hc in Panningen. “I have experienced great times here as a player in the past and now as a coach I look back on two great years. A compliment to the club for giving me all the freedom to get started in my own way. I really enjoyed working with an enthusiastic and combative group of players.”
