On Friday 20 March the Western Cape coaches arrived, and immediately conquered the Netherlands. From the moment they stepped off the aeroplane, they filled everybody's hearts with the typical South African warmth and enthusiasm!
Above: Coach Chris Schuthof from SV Hoofddorp was there to welcome the group.
Above: For Coach Henk Buning of Leeuwarden it was a very special and emotional reunion with Shorty and Christo, his two partners since February 2007.
Above: Nic Jooste's son was appointed to assist the group with cultural advice.
During the bus journey from the airport to the hotel, Nic Jooste gave the group information about the week ahead.
After arriving at Hotel Van der Valk in the beautiful village of Nootdorp, and having had an opportunity to freshen up, the group attended a workshop in preparation for the week ahead. On Friday evening they attended one of the world's fastest sports - ice hockey!! The Stars in their Eyes coaches were instrumental in cheering HYS Den Haag to victory in these play-offs. On Saturday HYS Den Haag became Dutch champion, much to the delight of the tour group.
Below: On Saturday morning the group visited the RKDEO soccer club in Nootdorp, and 'energised' all the people with their singing, dancing and energy.
Thereafter, the group attended a formal welcome by Councillor Kees van der Kraan of Pijnacker-Nootdorp (above, left on the picture). Councillor van der Kraan gave a passionate speech about Stars in their Eyes, a project which was 'born' in the village of Nootdorp.
Above: Elton Hart (right) is a hard task-master, and has been instilling discipline and team spirit without stopping..... Elton - you are a Star!!
A group photo on one of the oldest drawbridges in Nootdorp....
After a walk through the beauatiful historic village of Nootdorp (established in the 12th century...) the group visited the soccer club SV Nootdorp, where chairman Peter van Haagen personally welcomed Ronnie Gabriel and the tour group.
The group then had a passionate game of soccer in the beautiful indoor hall. Below: Ricardo Phillips giving chase to Ace Kombela.
Above: Dutch culture - Shorty on a bicycle!!
After attending a church service on Sunday morning, the group went back to RKDEO, where the Chairman presented Ronnie Gabriel and DCAS with a special club flag.
Many special visitors came to welcome the group, inter alia Hugo Vermeulen (MD of Cool Fresh International, one of the sponsors), Jack van der Berg (Stars - trainer since February 2007) and Frans Diergaarde (Treasurer of Stars Netherlands).
Ex professional player Eric 'Ace' Kombela with behind him Christo Wynne from Beaufort West.
Lillian McKelly from Stellenbosch - Stars coach since February 2007
Above: As always a true ambassador and professional! Desiree Ellis - ex professional player, captain of the South African ladies soccer team (Banyana) for a record 9 years - got straight off the plane after a 14 hour journey and onto the pitch to participate in a 7 versus 7 match. What a great ambassador for South Africa!
Even Arie Havelaar and Jean Paul van Wijk of Cool Fresh International participated in the matches, placing their 50+ bodies under great strain.
The matches were played on the beautiful new synthetic pitches of RKDEO, with the historical Saint Joseph's cathedral in the background.
Above: Ronnie Gabriel of the Ministry of Sport with Jeroen Struijs (Stars - trainer since February 2007) and champion coach Jack van der Berg.
After having a group photograph, the group departed by bus to the KNVB Academy in Zeist, where they checked into the KNVB Hotel. A great meal followed, and we also were elated to meet up with our longtime friend Francis Kimanzi from Kenya. Francis was lecturer on Stars 1 (February 2007) and has come to The Netherlands especially for this course.
The adventure of the 'Beyond 2010 Tour' continues......
On Friday 27 March the Stars in tjeir Eyes tour group were invited to visit the last training of the Dutch national team - Oranje - before the 2010 qualification match of tomorrow night.
Have a look - and enjoy!!
Welcoming the Oranje players in typical South African fashion!
Ricardo Phillips being photographed with Wesley Sneijders
Des Ellis and Ronnie Gabriel with Arjen Robben
Shorty and Arjen Robben
The focus of the entire Dutch press was on Stars, and not on the famous players!!
Below: the group with Dirk Kuyt.
Below: Shorty and Dirk Kuyt.
Above and below: Robin van Persie was great - he spent a lot of time being photographed with our Stars!
Giving them a life filled with opportunities...
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