FC Volendam will play against Jong Ajax tomorrow in a packed stadium. For the first time in 13 years, all tickets for a match of The New Orange went over the counter. “That was one of the great goals we set at the time,” says Wim Jonk proudly.
Wim Jonk: “One of our goals achieved” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
The club reports that 7,000 tickets have been sold. The branch will remain empty, but as a result the full capacity will be used. It will be the first time under Jonk’s leadership. The last time that happened was during the semi-final of the KNVB Cup in 2008-2009 against sc Heerenveen (0-2). “It’s really alive,” says director Richard de Weijze. “We are very happy that people are joining in. We are going to make it a real football party with a fireworks show beforehand.”
snot noses
However, Jonk will have to puzzle in the run-up to the match. His team is struggling with quite a few sick players and it is unclear whether they will be able to appear at the kick-off. “The flu is of course very bad. We have had some problems with that. A number of them are still suffering from it.” Calvin Twigt will be out of action for the rest of the season The New Orange† The 19-year-old midfielder broke a bone in his foot during training and is therefore out of circulation for some time.
One of the sick players this week was Franco Antonucci. The Feyenoord mercenary was not completely fit at the final training, but expects to be present against Young Ajax.
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Franco Antonucci is not yet convincing at FC Volendam – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Antonucci has hardly been in Jonk’s plans in recent weeks. His place in midfield is under discussion and the Belgian did not show great on the flanks either. His return to Volendam therefore still involves trial and error. “I think I can do a lot better,” said Antonucci.
Spectacular piece
At De Toekomst, Volendam experienced one of the most bizarre matches of the season. Within half an hour, the team of coach John Heitinga was leading 4-2, but a combative Volendam still managed to pull a draw out of the fire. “There you see the qualities on both sides,” says Jonk.
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Jonk: “There you see the qualities on both sides” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
The FC Volendam – Young Ajax match starts at 4.30 pm and can be followed live via the social channels of NH Sport. After the competition, comments will appear on our website.
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