Water polo player Maxine Schaap played almost her entire life for ZV De Zaan. This season, however, she plays for the Italian Padova. Both teams played against each other in the Euro Cup on Saturday. “It was quite a double. We played away, but also a bit at home,” said Schaap.
“When you arrive at the pool, it is of course nice to see my former teammates again and then I give them a hug. They are my friends after all,” Schaap continues.
Last year, Padova coach Stefano Posterivo contacted the water polo star and the first contact was made. “I have played for De Zaan all my life and I thought why not? Maybe it is good to develop myself as a player,” says Schaap.
Italian temperament
The North Holland native has now found her niche at Padova. She speaks fluent Italian and has been well received by the team. So on Saturday she played against her old team. In an even match, Padova decided the match in the last second and the Italians won 10-9.
It was striking that coach Posterivo can really get out of his way. “He got a bit angry. Sometimes I don’t want to understand it and then I put on my ear flaps. That’s the Italian temperament,” Schaap responds with a laugh.
Sour loss
Of course, Schaap beamed afterwards. That was different with the Zaankanters. “It’s very sad to lose the match in the last seconds. We make too many mistakes and that costs you your head,” said ZV De Zaan player Lieke Rogge.
NH Sport was present on Saturday and made the video report above.