Desmond Gemert

Desmond Gemert

Date of Birth: 29.09.1964
Country: Netherlands

Content:
  1. Desmond Gemert: A Surinamese-Dutch Footballing Journey
  2. Rise and Fall with NEC
  3. Amateur Days and Retirement

Desmond Gemert: A Surinamese-Dutch Footballing Journey

Early Career: Ajax and NEC Nijmegen

Desmond Gemert, a Dutch footballer of Surinamese descent, played as a defender for Ajax and NEC Nijmegen. In 1982, he joined Ajax's youth academy after his club, Amsterdam, went bankrupt. Gemert made his Eredivisie debut for Ajax on March 19, 1986, coming on as a substitute against PSV Eindhoven. Despite his talent, he faced competition from prominent defenders like Edo Ophof, Sonny Silooy, and Ronald Koeman.

Rise and Fall with NEC

After a disappointing stint at Ajax, Gemert moved to NEC Nijmegen in the second-tier First Division. He made his debut for NEC on December 6, 1987, and established himself as a regular starter under coach Len Loijn. Loijn led NEC back to the Eredivisie in the 1988/1989 season, with Gemert playing a crucial role.

However, NEC struggled in the top flight, finishing 16th in the 1989/1990 season and barely avoiding relegation. Gemert scored his only goal for the club during this challenging season. The following season proved even more disastrous, with NEC finishing bottom and returning to the First Division. Gemert played 18 games for NEC in the 1990/1991 season before leaving the club at its conclusion.

Amateur Days and Retirement

After his time at NEC, Gemert played for several amateur clubs in the lower divisions of Dutch football, including Sloterdijk, Hilversum, and Nerlandia. Following his retirement, he continued to play for Ajax's veterans team alongside notable former players such as Dennis Neederlof, Keje Molenaar, Sonny Silooy, and Johan van 't Schip.

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