‘Enjoy competing in the Otten Cup; it’s a unique opportunity’
The Otten Cup is a quite prestigious youth tournament. Género Zeefuik took part with PSV both in 2006 and 2007. PSV´s summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum played for Feyenoord in 2007 and met Zeefuik and his team-mates in the semi-finals. The two youngsters are currently first-team squad players with PSV.
Georginio Wijnaldum at the Otten Cup in 2007
The two strikers have known each other for some time yet
“We were Holland U-17 team-mates”, confirms Wijnaldum. “We used to play together on one team and suddenly we played against each other in the Otten Cup.” “It was fun to compete in the tournament”, adds Zeefuik. “And it’s awesome that we can play together on the same team again.”
The value of youth football teams
“It is great to represent your country at youth level”, says Wijnaldum. “I was given an opportunity to make European championship and World Cup appearances. Many players of those youth squads have become first-team regulars with their clubs. I made my Feyenoord debut at the age of 16.”
Género Zeefuik at the Otten Cup final in 2006
The Otten Cup
“The Otten Cup is definitely an interesting and well-organised tournament”, says Wijnaldum. “Many renowned foreign teams compete and young players gain priceless experience by meeting those clubs that have a different style of play. Holland is known for its good players and teams and that’s why foreign clubs like to compete in the Otten Cup. Many people come to De Herdgang facilities to watch the games.” “This tournament means much to the community”, says Zeefuik. “It would obviously be nice if PSV won the trophy.”
The history of the Otten Cup
“Has it been named after a guy called Otto?”, wonders Wijnaldum, smiling brightly. His team-mate Zeefuik comes to the rescue. “The tournament will be organised for the 65th time.” And he is right: The PSV Youth tournament for the Otten Cup was played for the first time in 1947. The cup has been named after the then president of Philips. The tournament is widely recognised as an event in which future stars, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Robin van Persie, Wilfred Bouma, Wesley Sneijder and Ibrahim Afellay to mention just a few, were given a chance to show their skills.
Zeefuik and Wijnaldum, teammates at PSV in 2011
Watch the games at De Herdgang
Although Zeefuik and Wijnaldum are involved in pre-season training, they intend to attend one or two games at De Herdgang. “I enjoy watching youth games”, says Wijnaldum. “It’s interesting to see which players may make it into the first team.” Zeefuik has some useful advice for the participant in the tournament. “They should enjoy competing at this level. It’s a unique opportunity, because once you play first-team football, tournaments like these will be rare.”
Interview by Monique Geerlings
Dit bericht is gepubliceerd op zondag 31 juli 2011 om 19:35 uur
