PSV Women can grab its second prize in eight days on Saturday. Namely, the team is in the final of the Eurojackpot KNVB Beker. Just like last year, FC Twente is the opponent. Then, Renate Jansen scored a goal, but PSV eventually lost 2-1. Now she is keen for a better result and is looking forward to the duel with her old club.
It will not have escaped anyone's notice that PSV Women captured their first national title last week. For record champion Renate Jansen, it was already her seventh title. Still, becoming champion remains special and this one was extra special for her. "We have been fighting for it all season. To have succeeded now is really fantastic. It is very special to become champion in your last season as a football star."
Meanwhile, the revelry is giving way to focus and Roeland ten Berge 's team is focusing on getting the next silverware. "We have to play like we have been playing lately. We play very stable football and defend solidly. We prefer to play beautiful football, but of course the most important thing is the victory," Renate says.
Old acquaintance
Saturday's opponent is no stranger to Renate. For example, the attacker played nine seasons in Enschede and during that time won five national titles and one Eurojackpot KNVB Cup. "It's always special to play against your old club. I enjoyed playing football there for nine years and it felt like home. Even though the team has changed a lot, it's still fun to play against your old team."
Cupfighter
Thanks to victories over FC Rijnvogels (7-0), FC Utrecht (3-0) and AZ (1-2), PSV qualified for the cup final for the second year in a row. Renate was of great value during these matches, scoring a hat-trick against FC Rijnvogels as well as being a goal-scorer against AZ. "I look back on our cup campaign positively. I think we have been stable in the cup as well as in the league. I go into Saturday's game with full confidence."
Reunion
Almost exactly one year ago, PSV faced FC Twente in the final round of the cup tournament, just like now. In this final, PSV showed fight, but it was the Tukkers who eventually took the prize. Renate provided the only goal from the Eindhoven side this match, but is not much concerned with this game. "The match doesn't haunt my mind anymore. But we do want revenge and are extra motivated not to leave the field a loser again."
Stopping at the peak
Renate is in her final season as a professional football star, but is still in top form. "It's nice to be important for your team. One of my qualities is that I am often dangerous and only need one moment. I'm especially going to enjoy the last games ahead of me and hope to be important more often."
FC Twente - PSV begins Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN.