By winning the national title with his Feyenoord, Orkun Kokcü not only set Rotterdam on fire. Schalkwijk in Haarlem, where the captain was born, was also fully sympathized. “I think it’s encouraging,” said a supporter from the neighborhood. “Especially for the youth. They start to think: it’s possible!”
In the Haarlem Schalkwijk they are very proud of their Kökcü – NH Nieuws
At football club SV Olympia, where Kökcü took his first steps as a football player, they are also delighted with the star role of their former resident of the neighbourhood. “In the past it was mainly Jordy Clasie in Haarlem”, said head coach Barry Tjeertes. “And now it is mainly Orkun Kökcü who is known to everyone. He is now a great example for the youth who walk around here.”
“He recently surprised a Feyenoord fan here by handing him a shirt”
Johan Snoeks, former chairman of SV Olympia, is proud to take down a Kökcü competition shirt from the wall for the occasion, with an original signature. The club man in heart and soul knows how to tell that the Feyenoord captain has regularly visited the club in recent years.
“He trained here a number of times during the corona period,” Snoeks recalls. “And recently he surprised a Feyenoord fan here by handing him a shirt. That was perfect.”
Inspiration for youth
In meeting center De Ringvaart, located near the football square where little Kökcü developed his skills, they think that the captain will have a positive influence on the youth in the neighborhood. “I see many young people playing football here with a lot of talent,” said a boy of Turkish origin. “They are also inspired by Kökcü. And they also think: if he can do it, we can do it too.”
At SV Olympia, who can also become champions next Saturday, they secretly hope that their great hero will visit the club for a while. “We asked if he would like to hand out the scale,” said former chairman Snoeks.
“But that will only be possible if he has the time. That would of course be very nice. Then the circle is complete. It couldn’t be better.” That remains to be seen and hoped for…