On Wednesday 14th of July Beerschot organises the fourth edition of its "Memorial Marc Steenackers" and welcomes Dutch top division side FC Utrecht to the Olympic Stadium. It is Beerschot's eighth pre season friendly and a real value indicator for the 2021-2022 season that starts in less than two weeks.
It will be more than just a game of football though as our club will be remembering Marc Steenackers, who died in a car accident on the 12th of March 2017, just four months after he was installed as General Manager. In this capacity he turned out to be the right man in the right place, with his no nonsense approach, direct communication skills and his heart for Beerschot. His legacy may never be forgotten.
In July 2017 AA Gent were Beerschot's opponent in the first edition of the "Memorial" in front of 3,500 fans. The visitors won 3-2. They took an early 2-0 lead but Beerschot fought back and eventually equalised with goals from Fessou Placca and an own goal by Mitrovic... only to concede a third goal by Simon. One year later Aris Thessaloniki won the trophy after a 0-0 draw and a thrilling penalties epilogue.
Third time lucky in 2019 when Beerschot beat the illustrious Panathinaikos, top club from the Greek top division, 2-1 after a high class performance in which Dylan Saint-Louis and Fessou Placca scored for Beerschot. Last season's edition was postponed because of covid safety measures.
On Wednesday we continue with our "Memorial Marc Steenackers" tradition and will be honouring our late General Manager with a minute of silence and an ovational applause for his relentless work and many achievements for taking Beerschot back to Division 1A. Where we belong. Kick off is at 6 pm.
Text: Danny Geerts
Photo: Jan Mees
