On the field he won the world title with Germany in 2023, but in the hall Marco Miltkau played last season with Klein Zwitserland in the Topklasse, the level below the Hoofdklasse. He had a major share in his team’s promotion to the highest level of the Netherlands on Sunday. Czech Stepan Klaban also flourished completely this indoor season.
In Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague, the poor players of Delta Venlo – first class players on the field – got acquainted with German Miltkau on Sunday. They were leading 1-0 and close to promotion to the big league, but then Miltkau got on his hips. With two goals, he completely turned the game around in just a few minutes, allowing not Delta Venlo, but Klein Switzerland to get promoted.
Miltkau has experienced just about everything in field hockey. He played 160 international games, in which he scored 73 times. In 2023, he and Germany crowned themselves world champions in India. He was there in Paris when Germany won silver at the Olympics. He was part of the indoor team that won silver at the 2018 World Cup in Berlin. In his eight indoor internationals, he scored 11 goals.
Marco Miltkau played an important role for Klein Switzerland this season. Photo: Rob Römer
World champion in the Topklasse
With his qualities he would not be out of place in the German indoor league, but for years he has chosen to be active with Klein Zwitserland in the Topklasse. ‘Our goal was really to get promoted. I don’t know exactly how long it has been since we were promoted, but I think for a long time. For all those guys who have been playing for Klein Switzerland for so long, I’m glad it finally worked out.’
This year, the reigning world champion, who ended his international career after the Olympics, again played against teams like Berkel-Rodenrijs and IJssel. He sees the humor in it himself. But he never hesitated to participate, he says. ‘When they asked me again this season, I tied the knot right away. I wanted to help the club and the team.’
‘Marco is a great indoor hockey player. He stays very calm in the circle and uses techniques that opponents often don’t expect. This allows him to maneuver himself out of even the most dire situations. In addition, he is extremely goal-oriented. Every chance he gets, he finishes,’ said Stepan Klaban, Klein Switzerland’s other indoor virtuoso. A Czech indoor international, he has two European Championships to his name. His creativity regularly helped Klein Switzerland find a hole in the opponent’s defense this season.
Czech indoor international Stepan Klaban was also important for Klein Switzerland this indoor season. Photo: Rob Römer
On the field Klaban plays little, in the hall he has a key role
The fact that Klaban played a key role this indoor season was a boost for him. On the field, he is going through a difficult season, as he regularly falls outside the selection. ‘The past few months have been tough for me. I admit that honestly. That’s why I was really looking forward to the indoor season. I’m glad I was able to play an important role. That feels good. It gives me some confidence again for the resumption of the field season.’
With an eye on the World Cup next year, he is extra happy about the promotion. ‘To qualify for the Czech national team next season I have to play at a certain level. So now that can just be at KZ as well. Very nice. I love this club and it’s great to promote with this team.’
by Hockey.nl
