Nina Nijstad made her debut for the Orange Lionesses this week. Back at PSV, she has to get straight down to business, as the away game against Excelsior Rotterdam is scheduled for Saturday. The brand-new international looks back on her debut and looks ahead to the upcoming competition.
First of all, congratulations on your debut in Orange. How was that for you?"Thank you! It was a beautiful moment. In a full stadium with my family and friends in the stands, that was really emotional. I will never forget that."
So is it extra special to debut with two teammates?
"Yes, when I saw that Gwyneth came in, I had to smile. A few days after that we heard that Veerle could play, so then we were all very happy. At the club almost everyone had seen it too, so they were all very happy for us as well."
Then winning 15-0 is also nice to start with, I guess.
"Yes, at a certain point the pressure is off and you can just play football freely. That is indeed nice."
Is it difficult to switch back to Excelsior Rotterdam right away?
"No, actually not at all. We knew this match was coming up soon after the international period. When we got back to the club yesterday we were caught up right away. As a result, I don't have the feeling that I'm behind now, or have had the wrong preparation."
What do you expect from the match?
"I think it will be a tough match. They may be in the bottom division, but they did play equal in an away game against FC Twente. Last year we also played a draw in Rotterdam, so we are keen to win now."
Completely ready for the second league block?
"Yes, we started the season well, so we take confidence from that. But it's not going to be easy. AZ and especially FC Utrecht are doing very well, but we shouldn't underestimate ADO Den Haag and Excelsior Rotterdam either."
What is your goal for this season?
"For now join the top. The draw at FC Twente gave us confirmation that we can do it, but we now have to show that throughout the season. It is only nice and good that FC Utrecht is also doing so well. That makes the competition better and better and you start playing more and more games at a high level."
Excelsior Women - PSV Women begins Saturday at 2 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN 1.