Feyenoord defender Mats Deijl is set to expand his professional horizons this summer. While his primary focus remains on securing Champions League qualification with his club, the 28-year-old will also take on a new role as a television analyst. Deijl will be one of the experts featured in the upcoming SBS6 program 'Het Oranje Café', a new daily show dedicated to World Cup coverage.
The announcement was made by the program's presenter, Sam van Royen, during an appearance on the 'Coen & Sander Show' on the JOE radio network. Van Royen revealed that the show is scheduled to begin broadcasting live every day at 17:00 starting from June 11. The program will heavily feature match highlights, thanks to a recently finalized agreement between Talpa Network, SBS6's parent company, and the NOS for the broadcast rights to all World Cup summaries.
Van Royen expressed his vision for the show's analytical team, indicating a desire for a blend of familiar and fresh perspectives. He stated that while traditional media experts are essential, he also wants to incorporate newer voices. 'You have to always rely on the traditional media, but also on the new guys. Footballers you don't often see as analysts, but it would be fun if they joined, like Mats Deijl,' Van Royen explained. This approach suggests the program aims to offer viewers a mix of established insight and relatable, current player viewpoints.
The connection between Van Royen and Deijl is not new. The two are already collaborators on the podcast 'Tijgerbalsem', which they co-host alongside journalist Özcan Akyol. This existing rapport likely contributed to Deijl's selection and promises a comfortable, conversational dynamic on screen. For Deijl, this analyst role represents a significant step into the media spotlight, offering him a platform to share his on-pitch knowledge with a national audience during one of football's biggest events.
Joining Deijl in the analyst chair will be the experienced Henk ten Cate. The veteran coach brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and high-level experience to the table. Ten Cate recently served as the head coach of the Suriname national team, a tenure that concluded after the team failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. His inclusion provides a seasoned, strategic counterpoint to Deijl's current player perspective, creating a potentially compelling dynamic for viewers seeking both contemporary and classical football analysis.
The creation of 'Het Oranje Café' is part of a broader media strategy by Talpa Network to capitalize on World Cup fever. By securing the rights to all tournament highlights, SBS6 positions itself as a central hub for Dutch fans wanting to follow the action. The daily, live format at a prime early-evening slot indicates an ambition to create a communal viewing experience, blending analysis, entertainment, and the day's key moments.
For Feyenoord, Deijl's media engagement is a secondary concern to the club's on-field objectives. The defender's comment that securing a Champions League ticket is 'momentarily the most important' thing underscores the intense focus required in the final stages of the Eredivisie season. However, his upcoming television work could also raise his personal profile, potentially benefiting the club's brand as its players gain national exposure.
The program's launch on June 11 aligns with the start of the World Cup tournament. By assembling analysts like Deijl and Ten Cate, SBS6 aims to offer a unique blend of content: the immediate, relatable analysis of a current defender and the deep, experienced tactical breakdown from a former national team coach. This combination is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of football fans, from those seeking entertainment to those desiring in-depth dissection of matches.
Based on reporting from Voetbal International.