The tense situation in Belarus has put Herman Kruis, the Dutch national coach of the Belarusian hockey players, in a difficult position. Kruis is in the Netherlands, but would travel next weekend for a training camp in Minsk. “How important is sport when a revolution is underway?” He wonders.
Kruis has weekly contact with his staff and players via Skype. “That is very difficult. The internet is regularly blocked and there is a fear of sharing things via WhatsApp, because they are watching. The most important thing is that my staff and players are safe.”
At the end of January, the Belarusian indoor hockey players conquered the European title, by beating the Netherlands after shoot-outs in the final. Since then, Kruis and his players have been adored. “In Minsk, big billboards were hung with our faces on them. And they are still there.”
Dilemma
Cross now faces a dilemma. A training camp is planned in the Belarusian capital next week, but he is very unsure what to do. Kruis has been in contact with the Dutch and Belarusian ambassadors and is now awaiting advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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