Photos: (Top to Bottom) Sam Kruijver, South's number one keeper; Kruijver patrols his penalty area; Greg Downes being treated while his team-mates regroup; Downes suffered a broken leg and is stretchered off.
It’s taken Sam Kruijver a while, but he is now the number one goalkeeper at reigning Premier League soccer champion, South Hobart.
Kruijver was understudy to Mark Moncur for most of last season, but the 27-year-old has now established himself as coach Ken Morton’s number one choice in goal.
He has not let the side down and played a crucial role in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Kingborough Lions United.
In fact, Kruijver has kept a clean sheet in all three league games to date.
Kruijver made excellent saves against Tom McDonald, Marcello Marchioli and Charles White as the Lions threatened to score and steal the three points against the run of play.
“Things are going well and we’re on track to defend our title,” said Kruijver, the 183cm custodian.
“It’s taken me a while to become the number one choice, but Mark Moncur is hot on my heels.
“There’s good competition between the two of us.”
Kruijver underplayed his saves against the Lions.
“I didn’t really think about it, to be honest,” he said.
“I saw the ball coming and just sort of got myself there and was lucky enough to keep them out.”
Kruijver is impressed by South Hobart’s young talent coming through, but injuries are a problem.
Greg Downes, the club’s dynamic young midfielder who had trials last year with Sunderland and Walsall, broke his leg in Saturday’s game and will be out indefinitely.
“I think we’ve got a good chance of retaining our title, Kruijver said.
“We’ve got a good bunch of young guys coming through, including Jim Pennicott and Nick Di Falco.
“There’s plenty of young guys coming through to keep the team going.
“There’s strong competition from all teams now that there are only eight teams in the league.
“It’s going to be very close, but I hope we can continue without conceding goals.
“From my perspective, it was frustrating to see so many chances at the other end and we just couldn’t score. I was pulling my hair out.
“You have those days, but they also defended well.”
Nice silver body suit Sammy. 2 other interesting facts not published includes:
ReplyDelete1. he loves monster burgers
2. hiw big blue camry once doubles as a tank in Korean war movie
Nice silver body suit Sammy. 2 other interesting facts not published includes:
ReplyDelete1. he loves monster burgers
2. hiw big blue camry once doubles as a tank in Korean war movie
unlucky for downes lets hope he has a smooth recovery and we look forward 2 seeing him on the park soon
ReplyDeleteNice work DB, I reckon Sammy got the body suit off his brother who retired at Christian last year. Dave is having a social kick with our other Div 2 side.
ReplyDeleteI reckon Sammy is saving the silver pant for the colder weather.
Still think monkey is a better keeper. Kruijver is ok. Hasn't got good handling compared to some other keepers, and is slow. but a good all rounder.
ReplyDeleteYeah i'm with you DB and the Dorf,
ReplyDeletebut another interesting fact about the Samson Quote " my best days were definately at White Eagles being involved in the Glyn Jenkins school of soccer " Sam i believe you used to rate having 5/6/7 goals being smashed past you ...
Nice grey shirt skins shirt to mate, when are the pants making an appearance ?
I think its fair that Dad and I taught Sammy everything we knew...To his credit, he ignored us and started taking keeping seriously!!! As for the body suit, its about time someone in the family had the body to suit the clothing range!!!
ReplyDeletewhat can i say,i still think rapid was the best team ever lol lol.looks like i have to take the wooden spoon to the kids again .
ReplyDeletemarty you too can have a body like us if you abuse it lol
ReplyDeleteJerrie, I'd be fairly sure that Dorf has abused his body at least as much as the extended Kruijver family combined.
ReplyDeleteAnd if I remember his 21st birthday correctly, he is not averse to full body suits
db,yes i am proof there is great boofhead potential in our family.on a serious note,does anyone know how andrew savage is getting on? i hope he gets back as i have seen him play some great games.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I can remember my 21st after a few Polish Spirits, might abuse the body a little tonight at the wagon, although abuse is not a nice word, I like "nurture."
ReplyDeletegood to see you on the wagon marty
ReplyDeleteneonman i cant imagine sam ever pulling his hair out it took him too much preeningtime to get it to its present mess.also that suit makes him a great contender to be the next michelinman
ReplyDeletePerhaps its the years of Kruijver abuse that gives me that "tubby" look
ReplyDeletelol
ReplyDelete