De Sanders ready to face the music
Sunday, July 24, 2016
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A fan of French rap and fledgling songwriter herself, Netherlands defender Kay-Lee de Sanders is relishing Monday's meeting with France as the Dutch continue their title bid.
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When the Netherlands missed out on qualification for UEFA EURO 2016, Kay-Lee de Sanders knew that she and her team-mates would have to make this a summer to remember for the Dutch at the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.
So far so good: the Netherlands sit top of Group A ahead of Monday's matchday three fixtures, and De Sanders is relishing their meeting with France and a potential semi-final berth. The defender spoke to UEFA.com about her tournament so far, her love of French rap and some key advice from a certain physiotherapist.
Are you enjoying your first Women's Under-19 EURO?
I really am. It's great being in a tournament; the quality of football is very high, the professionalism within our camp is excellent and it's really competitive. We have a good togetherness in this squad, and I'm really proud to be part of it.
Tell us about your family ties with football ...
My uncle is the physiotherapist with the Dutch men's team. I spoke with him just a couple of days ago, and he told me to continue to enjoy the tournament experience, stay focused and do the best I can. There's added pressure, though: our team is the only hope the country have for EURO success this summer!
What about life outside football? We hear you have a musical talent ...
[Laughs] Yes! I love rap, mostly in Dutch as I am still improving my English. I write my own lyrics when I have time, and I'm working on getting someone to perform them. Life in Amsterdam is good; I'm studying marketing, which I find really interesting.
Can you give us a sample?
Not lyrics in particular, but I do have one track I'm proud of. When my aunt fell ill with cancer about three years ago, I wanted to write something for her, and I just started to hear the music in my head. It's when writing started for me as well. I write about things which matter to young people, all my lyrics are the world through my eyes. I listen to a lot of music, it's my passion.
Do you have any favourite artists?
I love listening to rap in English and French as well as Dutch, and I'm a big French rap fan. Listening to rap in French is the best.
Will you warm up with a bit of 'rap français' against France on Monday?
Yeah, I probably will! I don't always listen to French rap on the way to a match, but I often do, and that would be a good occasion for it. We are looking forward to Monday; we all think we can play our own game against France.