By KATE OBODO
Lodewijk De Kruif , is  Heartland Technical Adviser,  Football Club of Owerri, who  led  the team  to win the 2011 Federation Cup last year.

De  Kruif, who hails from Holland, is a lover of  good and  quality clothes and one who spares nothing to look good. In this interview with Hi Groove, he  talks about his life as a former Dutch ex-international and   his coaching  career . He also compares  c coaching in Holland and  Nigeria.

Excerpts:

In the Beginning

*De Kruif

I started playing football on the street with friends when I was five or six years old. Then it was not possible to connect with amateur clubs. In Holland, when you  want to get involved with football you have to connect with  amateur clubs. This happens when you are  between the ages of  8 and 9 years old. I connected at 8 with a family amateur club a striker.

And a few years later, some professional clubs invited me  for trials. I went for a few trials and when I was fifteen, I joined professional club side.

I also played in the Dutch Under 14- 15 teams. Well, let me say modestly that  I was one of the biggest  talents in my area then. I started my professional career and played for six years in  Belgium. After Belgium, I went to play in  Germany for  four years  and retired at 35.

After my retirement, I went to the University for my coaching career and  became coach in Dutch premiership and capping it as an assistant Youth team coach.

Comparing Dutch and the Nigeria Premier League

Football is the same everywhere in the world but there is so much difference in what is obtained here when compared to Dutch football. In Holland you have to be a qualified coach with a good University degree to handle a team.

I spent three years in the University, to get all the diplomas that are necessary to begin a coaching career. I also did sports marketing and management  in the University. This means, I can also go for the job of a General Manager of a club or technical director. In essence, I can do all sorts of things in sports or football company.

Compared to my country, players can’t get the best here because the pitches are bad. Since arriving the country, I have adapted to the system while giving the best I can give.

Truly, you can not compare what is obtained here to European standard, it is not possible. My job  here is to be able to give my team a good tactical education.

I’m happy that I can  do that here because the mentality of Nigerian players and their counterparts Dutch are the same.

The passion Nigerians have for football is the same way my people feel for the game too.  And that’s  why Dutch coaches can adapt well in  the Nigeria system.

Life outside coaching

Life outside coaching, is boring. When I’m not  in training, I stay in my hotel room, watch the television, go swimming or  surf the internet. I also spend time chatting with friends. Basically, my job here is to train the players and prepare them for matches. After which I go  back to my hotel because I don’t consider it safe to move around.

Sometimes I go to the supermarket with my driver and personal assistant. And as soon as we return, it back to my room.

Shoes

I  wear  good and quality shoes and my preference depends on my mood. I buy shoes  three or four times in a year. I also compliment my dressing with good wrist watches. I also love perfumes with good fragrance.

Mood and Dressing

Of course, my mood affects the way I dress. When I’m in a meeting or lounging within my hotel, I’m always on my trainer suits or Jeans with a good top or long sleeve shirt. But on special occasions, I  dressed differently and try to bring out the best in me.  And during  matches I want to dress to represent the club. I like fitted suits because it brings out my shape.

Women and I

Well, I do know for a fact that I have some female admires especially being a white men. But I’m not occupied by that.

As a coach and a public figure you treat your male /female fans or admirers well, but you must learn to keep a distance. At home,(In Holland) I have a wife and three children. These are the most important people in my life.

Owerri People and I

The Owerri people are very polite and humble. They are also wonderful fans. I don’t have any problem with the people. And with a very good future thinking  Governor in office, the people are beginning to witness the rebuilding and restructuring of their State.

Smoking and Drinking

I’m an occasional smoker.  I smoke only on special occasions.

As for drinks, I take either Fanta, Coke of fruit juice. I drink wine only on special occasions and when I do, I do so with my wife. I also take beer occasionally too and a bit of Smirnoff Ice. I do them once or twice in two weeks.

Foods and Fruits

There is a typical Dutch food that I like but can’t explain how it is prepared. It’s nice and heavy. People who  are close to  me know that I like Italian pasta and  fish. I like it  very much. I got to know about it  in school. I was told  that pasta is a meal for sports men and I like it  very much. I also like Chinese food.

On  Nigerian food, I like the Chicken Stew and Chicken Pepper Soup. I have never swallow any food like Eba and Fufu but I know about them. I’ve never made any attempt on these foods. I like fruits and I take them every morning before I take my  breakfast. I like mangoes, paw-paw and the water melon.