Interview with the founder of Ludogorets Den Haag – Yunus Osman

– Hello, the first thing I'd like to ask is how the idea for Ludogorets Den Haag came about?

Yunus Osman: I had an acquaintance from Razgrad who played in the Ludogorets youth teams, as well as for “Han Asparuh” – Isperikh, “Slavia”, “Olympic” Teteven and Botev-Plovdiv. His name is Erwin Hodzhov, and together we decided to set up a Ludogorets fan club in The Hague. We timed the opening to coincide with the Razgrad side's away match against Ajax in Amsterdam. Around 300 people attended the opening, and the guests were executive director Angel Petrichev, technical director Cosmin Moti and sporting director Georgi Karamandzhukov. The club's management then promised full support for the development of the fan club.

– Was it difficult to get to this point, and what obstacles did you overcome?

Yunus Osman: Erwin's dream and mine was to promote the already popular reputation of Ludogorets, a club established in Europe. At the end of August, Ludogorets gave us two official kits, which we wear playing in the fourth amateur tier in the Netherlands. Because of Ludogorets' reputation, lots of people wanted to play for us at “Ludogorets – Den Haag”. Selecting the players was very difficult, because almost everyone interested was of a high standard. We now have players from Bulgaria, but also from Ukraine, Turkey, Tanzania and the Netherlands. I was chosen as coach, and we train at least twice a week.

– Where does the team currently play?

Yunus Osman: The team plays in the fourth amateur tier of Dutch football. We are mid-table, which is a very good position for a new team.

– Are there any well-known names in the team, or players who have played for the team?

Yunus Osman: At the moment we don't have any world-famous names, but many of our players have the potential to develop and become well known in the future.

– What are the team's goals?

Yunus Osman: The goal for next season is promotion to the third tier. Given the quality of players we have, that goal is entirely achievable.

– As the founder of this club, what is your football dream and what do you hope to achieve with the club?

Yunus Osman: My dream is to keep developing and promoting the club. I hope we reach higher levels of Dutch football and build a strong fan base in the Netherlands.

– Was it difficult to accept and organise the team for the friendly against Union Vilvoorde?

Yunus Osman: It wasn't easy, but with hard work and motivation we managed to get organised and prepare for this match.

– May I ask you for a wish for our new club?

Yunus Osman: I wish Union Vilvoorde every success in the future and lots of success on the pitch.

– And finally, a friendly prediction for the final score?

Yunus Osman: For us it is a great honour to share the joy of the club's opening, and our wish is 16.06. May the best team win.

– Thank you and goodbye!

Yunus Osman: Thank you! Goodbye!

Introduction