Dutch 'mastero' to miss Fed Cup semi
by Sammy Wejinya 21 August 2012, 11:28
Heartland trainer, Lodewijk de Kruif will miss his side’s Federation Cup semifinal against Prime FC in Ilorin on Wednesday.
The Dutchman is currently in the Netherlands and exclusively told SuperSport.com that his contract with the Owerri club has expired.
“I have been working for Heartland for free because my contract has long expired. It expired in June 2012 and nobody at the club is saying anything about me extending my deal,” de Kruif said.
General Manager of Heartland, Fan Ndubuoke corroborated de Kruif’s claims but insisted that the gaffer’s contract would be reviewed at the end of the current season.
“He is saying the truth. His contract elapsed between June and July this year. Heartland is owned by the Imo State Government and we have already submitted a report to the government as regards his (de Kruif’s) situation.
“At the end of the current season, his contract will be reviewed. It has nothing to do with his competence or lack of it. There are no problems between both parties. This is just standard procedure,” he said.
The club chief concluded by taking the time to assess the chances of Heartland ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal against the surprise side of the competition, second tier campaigners, Prime FC.
“Players of Heartland have been in Ilorin since Monday preparing for the game. We want to win not just this game (against Prime FC) but also go on to defeat whoever we play in the final and get a ticket to represent Nigeria on the continent next season,” he explained.
Heartland are the reigning champions of the Federation Cup after defeating Enyimba 1-0 in last year’s final.
