The softball players of Olympia Haarlem can officially become champions of the Netherlands this afternoon. A win is enough for the Haarlem team to win the title. Trainer Stanley Doney won all prizes with Olympia Haarlem, but faces his last job in Noord-Holland.
Olympia Haarlem has almost decided the title race. They are currently leading 2-0 in the best-of-five series. The North Hollanders also had a very excellent season in Europe. It recently won the European Cup 1 by beating the Italian Forli in the final. The team of the New Zealand Doney is therefore in excellent shape. However, he guards against underestimation. “Some parents of players and a few assistants have already bought bottles of champagne. I think that is still too overconfident.”
Four against four
The coach of the Haarlem team is therefore on his guard. “We have faced each other eight times this season. We both won four games. We are really evenly matched. It will be an even battle this afternoon. Still I have a lot of confidence. If we do what we normally do, we will be champions this afternoon .”
“It’s time to return to New Zealand”
Trainer Doney will stand alongside the softball players for the last time this weekend. After three and (possibly four) championships, the success trainer has called it quits. “I’m done here. It was great in Haarlem, but I need some rest. In addition, my sister has just had a child. I really want to hold her in my arms one day. It’s time to return to New Zealand .”
Other side of the world
Doney recognizes that an impressive period is coming to an end, but does not say goodbye to the club for good. “It will be the end of my era, but also the start of a new one. They will continue to build quietly. I will follow Olympia Haarlem closely next season from the other side of the world. Before that we have to do one more time I want to finish with nothing less than the championship.”
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