Olympic’s goal machine De Bever wants Championship success
The 2018 season has been a fantastic year for Sydney Olympic FC.
Back-to-back premierships, a long unbeaten streak and a squad filled to the brim with quality has them back in the Grand Final for the second straight season.
Leading much of that attack, is Dutch striker Lieke De Bever.
The tall attacker has 38 goals this season and has formed a lethal combination with Blues star Madelaine Costanzo as Olympic FC punched away an amazing 100 goals this season.
De Bever wasn’t always the attacking mastermind back in the Netherlands playing for VV Boskant and VV Nijnsel amongst others clubs.
“I started out playing on the wing when I was young, so I was preparing goals rather than scoring them,” said the striker.
“The last two seasons though I moved up to striker at a lower level which gave me more confidence to score plenty of goals of which I have taken a similar approach with Sydney Olympic FC.
“I started out on the wing but moved further forward which brought me goals as I chased Candice [Phelan] for the Golden boot.”
She also had credit for the Golden Boot recipient praising the “consistency” that Phelan delivered across the season.
“Every time I scored, she scored four or five so it was well deserved for her to take the Golden Boot.”
Speaking about her experience in Australia, De Bever was full of praise of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition and compared it to a mid-level league in Netherlands, as the football mad country has embraced women’s football.
“Football is definitely the biggest sport in the Netherlands.
“There is a density of clubs and players in what is a smaller nation.
“Regarding women’s football, the popularity was helped by their success in lifting the Euro trophy back in 2017.
“Here in Australia, I would say that the NPL 2 is close to a professional level. The facilities and quality are quite good and I have thus far enjoyed my time.”
De Bever admitted that she didn’t know much about Australia or it’s football before arriving, but the talented striker has fallen in love with Australia and is hoping to extend her stay past this season.
“When I arrived, I didn’t know what may happen but the football experience here has helped me.
“The girls at Sydney Olympic FC have been warm, beautiful and it has made me re-think about staying in this country a little while longer.” said the striker.
Finishing up, De Bever remained confident on Sydney Olympic FC taking the trophy on Sunday evening against the Mariners.
“Everyone at the club has been in a good mood but they mention wanting to do better than last season (where Sydney Olympic FC lost the Grand Final 1-0) so I hope to play well.
“We’re nervous but also excited to deliver the victory to finish off the season.” finished De Bever.
-By Justin Davies
