ISL 2023-24: Bengaluru FC signs former Netherlands U-19 international Keziah Veendorp

CHENNAI

Bengaluru FC, on Saturday, introduced the signing of Dutch defender Keziah Veendorp, who put pen to paper on a two-year deal, set to run till the tip of the 2024-25 marketing campaign. 

Veendorp, who most just lately turned out for FC Emmen within the Eredivisie, is a product of the FC Groningen Academy and has represented the Netherlands on the U15, U17 and U19 ranges. 

“I’m really excited to join Bengaluru and I’m looking forward to joining the team, meeting the staff and my new teammates. I had a lot of options, but Bengaluru was the choice because I was keen on taking the next step, both in my career and in my life. My family and I have never been to India before, but all the stories I’ve heard have been great, especially those about the fans. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play for Bengaluru FC and to experience the atmosphere in the stadium,” mentioned Veendorp, after the completion of formalities on his deal. 

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Veendorp, who made 174 appearances for Emmen throughout 5 seasons, was a part of the Kannibals’ facet that clinched promotion to the Eredivisie in 2018, with a win over Sparta Rotterdam within the playoff ultimate. 

After three years within the Eredivisie, Veendorp and Emmen dropped again to the Eerste Divisie for one season, earlier than making their means again into the highest flight following a implausible run of outcomes at De Oude Meerdijk within the 2021-22 marketing campaign. 

“Keziah is a versatile player who is equally comfortable in midfield and defence. He played at the highest level in Holland for a very long time, and is another character with a very good winning mentality, who was eager to come to our football club. We’re really looking forward to working with him, and I’m sure he’ll help us in many different departments this season,” mentioned Blues’ boss Simon Grayson. 

A Dutch youth worldwide, Veendorp was referred to as as much as signify the Netherlands U17 in opposition to the Faroe Islands in October 2013, having earlier turned out for the U15s. The following yr, he captained the Oranje squad that took half within the 2014 UEFA U17 European Championships, making 5 appearances as The Netherlands completed runners-up. 

“We’re really glad to be able to bring in a player of Keziah’s profile and qualities to BFC. He really believes in the project at this football club, and was keen to contribute. At 26, he’s entering the prime of his career, and his numbers in the top division in Holland speak for itself. On behalf of Bengaluru FC, I want to welcome him to our family, and wish him the best for his time here,” mentioned Blues’ Director of Football, Darren Caldeira. 

Veendorp, who is about to journey to India following the completion of his VISA formalities, will group up with Grayson and his Blues in Bellary, the place the membership is conducting the primary section of its pre-season testing on the Inspire Institute of Sport. The fourth international signing of the season, Veendorp joins a squad that has already acquired the likes of Slavko Damjanovic, Ryan Williams and Curtis Main, in what has been a busy summer time at Kanteerava.