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Alje Schut speaks glowingly about South Africa and has no regrets after spending the past three seasons here.
The Mamelodi Sundowns captain says it took him less than a week to fall in love with the country.
Schut decided not to renew his contract with Sundowns and has opted to return home to Holland.
“It was difficult, but also easy. It is all about my family. My son is struggling a bit at school and I know he will have a better opportunity back home. Also, my daughter will start school and she only speaks English. This is for my family. I don’t want to disadvantage them.”
As he packs his bags for home, Schut said he hoped he had made a meaningful contribution to South African football.
Lifting last season’s Absa Premiership trophy will rank among his best memories of the country.
Schut still recalls when Johan Neeskens asked him if he would consider joining him at the Brazilians. He said, after spending a week in South Africa, he did not hesitate to sign on the dotted line.
“I needed new challenges. I didn’t know a lot about the country, but I don’t regret having made the decision to come here. I enjoyed every minute of my stay,” said Schut.
He said there was not much difference between South African and Dutch football.
“The level of playing here is very decent. When I came here it was all about three big teams. But I think the other teams are catching up and this is good for competition. There is still a South African identity of high pace and lots of excitement, but sometimes it’s a little naive.
“South Africa has not been performing at the standard it should be on the international stage. The emphasis is on entertainment – in other countries it’s about winning games. That’s the naivety I’m talking about.”
Schut said although he was saddened by Neeskens’ departure, he enjoyed life under Pitso Mosimane. He had great respect for the former Bafana Bafana coach and said he was on the right track.
“I was a bit let down when Johan was fired because of his approach to football. But I don’t think he knew and understood the mentality and culture of South African players. I didn’t know what to expect from the new coach, but he made a bit of a difference.
“He changed the players’ attitude and has a Dutch way of doing things – very confrontational. If he doesn’t like something he addresses it on the spot and tells you to your face. He does not wait for the next day.
“He is open to opinions and gives players a chance to speak their minds and, in that way, the players’ characters came out. This is what I missed in most South African players, as they lacked initiative. I don’t know if they were scared to talk to coaches.”
Schut said his playing days were not over, but that he might also be scouting for his former club.
He said the likes of Oupa Manyisa, Khama Billiat and Bongani Zungu had what it takes to be successful in Europe.
What he will miss most is the passion of South African supporters – on and off the field, he added
