Boiten won the cup final with Sint-Truiden a few weeks ago on the Hubo Handbal field, and the Belgian title is at stake on Saturday.
Sint-Truiden performed flawlessly in the play-offs. Eight wins from as many games. “Three points more than Eupen,” says Boiten. “The top match between Sint-Truiden and Eupen on the last match day may simply be a prestige match. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First win on Saturday. In the cup final we had quite a difficult time against the merger team. The 28-26 victory was hard-fought. Final stress for sure, I hope it won’t happen soon.”
© Bart Borgerhoff
Olympics
The 22-year-old development player has played for the Dutch Vlug and Lenig Geleen over the past five seasons. “With the A-youth and the ladies 2 to be precise,” says Boiten. “And occasionally I was allowed to substitute for the ladies 1 in the Premier League.”
Women’s handball in the Netherlands is among the world’s best. The Dutch team became world champion once and is a regular at European championships and Olympic Games. Can Sint-Truiden survive in the Dutch premier league?
Boiten: “The best players do not play in the Dutch competition, but are active in the best European competitions. But that does not alter the fact that the Dutch premier league is a lot stronger than the Belgian first division. With Sint-Truiden at its strongest, we can survive in that competition, but a leading role in the title debate is not for us.”
© Bart Borgerhoff
Rightly champion
Last week the competition ended with a real final. Sint-Truiden proved too strong for Eupen in a best of 3. This season the final was removed from the calendar. “Women’s handball in Belgium needs top competitions,” says Mirthe Boiten. “In that respect it is a shame that the best matches of the season are disappearing. But it is also true that the team that is in first place after 18 league games and 10 matches in the play-offs is the rightful champion.”
© Bart Borgerhoff
Contract extension
Boiten will also defend the colors of Sint-Truiden next season. “The core remains virtually together,” says Mirthe. “I look back with satisfaction on my first season in Belgium. The adjustment was quite difficult. For example, while speed of implementation is crucial in the Netherlands, different accents are placed in Belgium. Here the physical is important. But I have found my niche and can make my mark.”
Hubo Handball – Sint-Truiden (play-offs women’s first national): Saturday 6 p.m