RKDVC is counting on perhaps a thousand spectators at the final match this Sunday, of the 15th team of this Drunense football association. It is the team of Matt de Roij and Pepijn Pijnenborg, who recently died in an accident in Loon op Zand. RKDVC wants to make it a worthy farewell game, complete with special shirts and a guard of honour.
Initially, the Drunense football club planned to form a special team as an opponent. In the end it became Baardwijk 6, the team that would already be a guest for this competition match.
Traffic controllers for extra crowds
Due to the expected influx, the board of RKDVC asks people to come to the sports park on Sportlaan preferably on foot or by bicycle. To be on the safe side, extra parking space has already been reserved for club members or others who opt for the car. In consultation with the municipality of Heusden, which Drunen falls under, traffic controllers are deployed to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
The accident in which Matt (19) and Pippin (20) died happened on Saturday night, May 8. While crossing the Midden-Brabantweg in Loon op Zand, the two were hit by a car. Their well-attended funerals were at the end of last week. Last Monday there were still dozens of flower arrangements on the spot along the road where the two died.
Special shirts
RKDVC chairman Hans Brokx will give a speech on the field before the start of the farewell match. After a minute of silence, the game will kick off at two o’clock. The home team’s players will wear special shirts. With the names of their two deceased teammates on the back and an infinity sign (a reclining 8 as a symbol for eternity) and on the front the text ‘rest in peace’.
RKDVC 15 hopes that as many club members as possible will show their DVC scarf when the two teams enter the field. A number of senior teams of the Drunense association will form a guard of honour.
‘Continuing suits these guys’
Later in the day there will be a barbecue that had been planned for some time this Sunday as the end of the season for all seniors of RKDVC. In consultation with the family, players of RKDVC 15 and parents, it has been decided to let it continue. “Because it also suits these guys,” the board emphasizes.
RKDVC 15 should play three more matches after Sunday, but according to Brokx, these have been canceled after consultation with the KNVB. The opponents are declared the official winners.
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Dozens of flower arrangements at the place where Pepijn and Matt died