© BELGIUM
Two games, two wins and as many clean sheets. The first report from Zulte Waregem in 2023 looks very positive. Ruud Vormer’s contribution has already been frequently mentioned. Alieu Fadera also personally experiences the importance of the 34-year-old Dutchman: “He always gives you the right advice and that way you will also play better football as a group.”
Stefan Smet
Since last week, a new wind has been blowing through the Elindus Arena. The arrival of Ruud Vormer and Christian Brüls resulted in a real shock therapy, of which Zulte Waregem is already reaping the benefits. Alieu Fadera also confirms the importance of the two acquisitions. Vormer in particular is already proving to be a real patron. “Ruud is constantly talking”, the affable Gambian smiles.
Fadera also enjoys a lot of attention from the former Golden Shoe. “On and off the field, Ruud is constantly helping us. He always gives you the right advice and that way you will automatically play better football as a group. In addition, he really peps us up and really instills confidence in our ranks. You notice that as a group we really take steps day after day.”
“Ah, you know. Ruud is convinced that we all have something to offer. Sometimes you just need a push in the back to really achieve performance,” says Fadera, who clearly takes the guidelines of the former Golden Shoe to heart. “No, I am certainly not tired of his tips. (laughs) If someone like that wants to help you, you should listen. A player with so much experience has so much to offer.”
Mbaye Leye also confirms that Ruud Vormer is anything but coming to the Gaverbeek. “He is a real professional. His modesty in particular adorns him. When you hear him talking to those guys, great. For example, Ruud was really impressed by the kicking technique of a few. Then he encourages someone like Nicolas Rommens to take that free kick against KV Mechelen.” It typifies the footballer and the person Vormer. A precious weapon for Essevee in the relegation battle.
Another boost: Fadera scored against STVV for the first time in three months. That goal visibly pleased the 21-year-old flank attacker. “My goal also came at the ideal time, just before the break. He also went in nicely. That goal especially gave us a huge boost, so that we finally managed to decide the game in the second half. I am happy that we were able to secure the victory and thus also advance to the semi-finals.”
“Team performance was top”
In addition, Fadera was also very excited about the collective achievement. “Our team performance was top from the first to the last minute. We had already played against them twice and unfortunately lost every time. You noticed that the two teams knew each other through and through. However, they now had to manage without their mainstay Christian Brüls, they clearly missed him.” (laughs)
“Of course it will be a different story against Genk”, the Gambian also looks ahead to Saturday evening’s match in the Cegeka Arena. “They have so many qualities and we realize that a difficult evening awaits us. That cup defeat does not play a role, it can happen to anyone. They really play as one team and everyone fights for each other. That is really necessary if you want to deliver top performances.”
