FC Strasbourg Olympique Koenigshoffen 1906 (FCOSK 06) faces SCO Angers this Saturday evening (8:45 p.m.) in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France.
FCOSK 06 is officially the "Tom Thumb" of the competition since it plays in the 6th division (Regional 1), like Cassel (North).
But is it really an R1 club?
On paper yes, but not in terms of its means, its structure, its workforce...
La Meinau will perhaps finally vibrate this season.
His usual resident of Racing unable to win there, make way for a club with an almost unpronounceable acronym!
The FCOSK 06 will meet there on Saturday evening in prime time (8:45 p.m.).
The event justifies it: the entity, born in 2020 from the merger between Olympique Strasbourg and FC Strasbourg Koenigshoffen 06, is playing in the first round of 16 of the Coupe de France in its history.
Faced with an elite formation so as not to spoil anything!
After Clermont left in the previous round (0-0, 4-3 on pens), it is Angers who will come up against the formation of the sixth division (Regional 1).
One of the two still in contention.
“We are the Tom Thumb of the competition, not Cassel (North, who faces PSG)!
“, proclaims captain Mohamed Cherief.
“The definition is clear: at equal level, it is the one who has eliminated the best opponent who is.
They beat an N2 club, we a Ligue 1. ” The midfielder obviously hides neither his pride nor his impatience.
It was also for this kind of adventure that he joined FCOSK 06 three years ago.
Even if it means going down two divisions to evolve there.
“It wasn't an easy choice but the project was fun.
I was offered a balance, ”he recalls from his van.
Because in civilian life, the veteran (34) is a delivery driver for "Real Transport", the company of one of the two co-presidents of the club, Aziz Soylu.
They are three in his case, with Wacim Tine and Corentin Schmittheissler.
“It allows us to have suitable hours and a salary that falls”, details the last named, goalkeeper.
“In my previous teams, I was often paid in travel expenses, but you also have to think about retirement.
There, counting the match bonuses, I have almost the equivalent of a National player”, he assures without giving a precise amount, except for a range of “more than 2,000 euros”.
An amount certainly almost apart in the locker room but which reflects a reality: FC Olympique Strasbourg Koenigshoffen 1906 has the means.
Much higher than those of its competitors in Regional 1 and comparable to clubs of the higher level.
The reason ?
The financial contribution of generous patrons, which is added to the usual income from subsidies and licenses.
“We have two economic models”, explains Mourad Oualit, one of the two co-presidents of the entity.
“The first is to be self-sufficient to ensure our sustainability.
And then, depending on what our private partners offer us, ie 25% of our current budget, we build the team.
»
"Already the structure to be in National 3"
With therefore certain arguments to attract a coach recognized in the sector (Amar Ferdjani), the best elements of the region, even a former pro like the Croatian defender Ivan Herceg.
“I would not say that we are calibrated for the National 3 because we have players who have already played there, but rather because the club already has the structure to be there”, continues the manager.
“For example, we would pay eight people, which allows us to respond to calls for tenders for extracurricular activities and missions, or even organize internships during all the holidays.
We also have two minibuses and a small 17-seat bus with logos, and we also rely on a large staff with physiotherapists and physical trainers.
The goal is really to look like a training center to attract players.
»
Objective achieved according to Thomas Schall.
“We are super well off and put in the best conditions,” appreciates the striker.
“For example, we also have a steward and all our equipment is washed after each session.
I had never known that, even in N3.
“A division that he and his partners dream of joining next season, a year after their previous promotion.
It's off to a good start, with a current second place in Pool C.
“Becoming the second Alsatian club”
But before that, there is this long-awaited meeting on Saturday evening.
Facing players they usually watch on TV.
“Boufal, Ounahi… A month ago, we were behind them during the World Cup and there, we will find them.
It is enormous.
In addition, I have always loved Bentaleb, ”savors Mohamed Cherief.
"I had been called to a rally in the France U17 team with Paul Bernardoni", recalls Corentin Schmittheissler, who sat on the sidelines of RC Strasbourg a dozen times during the 2017-2018 season. in League 2.
This time, he will be on the lawn of a Meinau (26,000) which should not be full.
But more than half of the places (15,000) were already sold Thursday.
"With 12,000, we had already succeeded in our bet", savors Mourad Oualit, who also dreams of seeing the FCOSK06 grow even further.
“To come and position ourselves as a historic club in the area and not just a neighborhood team.
And, within five years, become the second Alsatian club.
We are still a long way from that…”
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