He’s the latest Dutchman to call the Hyundai A-League home but Wellington Phoenix’s recruit Roly Bonevacia knows he won’t be the last as the competition’s reputation continues to grow in his homeland.
While his first game in the competition is still more than two weeks away, Bonevacia has already been spreading the gospel to his friends back home about the quality of football Down Under.
The 22-year-old is loving his new surrounds in Wellington and has been impressed with the level of not only his side but their opponents during the pre-season.
Admitting he didn’t know much about the Hyundai A-League before the Phoenix came calling, he sought the opinion of other Dutch players in the competition before committing and is now doing the same and believes more of his countrymen will follow suit.
“I spoke with Kew Jaliens from Newcastle, I spoke last year with Orlando Engelaar and also Robbie Wielaert who I used to play with (at Roda JC), who’s now at Melbourne City,” Bonevacia told www.a-league.com.au.
“They said it was good and it was hard-work football which really appealed to me.
“I have already told some others about it and I think they will like to come here as well. Why not? For me I can already see it is a great place to play.
“From what I have seen so far (in pre-season) it will be a very strong competition, with good football and that is what we (Dutch players) like.”
In a statement that is sure to excite Phoenix and Hyundai A-League fans alike, Bonevacia described himself as a very technical player who loves to always try and play forward.
A graduate of Ajax’s famous academy, he learnt his trade alongside the likes of Manchester United and Netherlands star Daley Blind and represented his country at both under-17 and 19 level.
“It was the best school I ever went to,” Bonevacia said of his time at the Amsterdam club.
“We learned about so many different cultures. We made trips to Spain, Italy, Russia to see cultures, people, how they do things and how they are playing there.
“It was good for my development. Now I’m here to try something new, start with a clean slate and try to prove myself.
“I want to play more and score more than I have (in Holland) and I believe we have a good team. We can aim for places between third and six I believe.”
2014/15 Wellington Phoenix Memberships are on sale now! Be more than a fan, become a Member today by clicking here.
Members are our most important signings, so commit to your team today in the best possible way!
