Fortuna Sittard lost 0-2 to AZ last Saturday but demonstrated growing resilience and a strengthening bond with its fanbase. The story, sourced from VI-weekblad, details how the club held firm with ten men and finds hope in the return of defender Rodrigo Guth.
How did Fortuna Sittard perform against AZ?
Fortuna Sittard had to play almost the entire match with ten men following an early red card. Despite this, Danny Buijs's players managed to hold out for a long time against the strong side from Alkmaar. The eventual 0-2 defeat was a disappointment, but the fighting spirit on display provided hope for upcoming fixtures. The home game attracted over ten thousand supporters, a clear sign of increasing engagement.
Fortuna Sittard's stadium attendance is growing steadily, a trend visible in the region for some time. Where ten years ago only fifteen hundred people attended the home match against Achilles ’29, there is now an expanding swarm of yellow-green shirts. The connection with the supporters, especially the die-hards who backed the club in tougher times, is getting stronger. This is a direct result of work done since the 2016 takeover.
What does the club's growth signify?
On July 21, 2016, Fortuna Sittard was taken over by Turkish economist Isitan Gün. His approach was not based on splashing cash but on gradually strengthening the organization and squad through his network. This strategy led to a return to the Eredivisie in 2018 after sixteen years of absence. The club, whose predecessor Fortuna ’54 helped found professional football in the Netherlands, has maintained its place in the top division since.
The growth is not only visible in the stands. The squad has become more competitive, as seen in its current composition. You can view the full roster on our squad page. The arrival of experienced players and the development of academy talents have contributed to a firmer foundation. The stadium is gaining more colour and atmosphere inside, even if the exterior still looks somewhat soulless according to VI-weekblad.
What is next for Fortuna Sittard?
The immediate future is dictated by the league schedule. Fortuna Sittard's next match is an away game against FC Utrecht, scheduled for Saturday, September 12. All upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures page. The league position is always key, and the current standings can be followed via standings.
The return of Rodrigo Guth provides additional defensive options for manager Buijs. His experience and physical presence are a welcome addition. The club continues to build a solid project where financial health and sporting progress go hand in hand. The growing following in the Limburg region proves this approach is working. The upward path is gradual, but the direction is clear. Fortuna Sittard plays at 18:45 in Utrecht on September 12.
