Final indoor korfball: Antwerp hands over Belgian title for the first time in 53 years. “But it’s always fun.” (Antwerp)
dirty party
When we arrive at Boeckenberg Sports Center half an hour before the start, the hall and cafeteria are already quite full, and more people are joining. These are mainly supporters of Borgerhout, but those of Floriant are also well represented.
Simon Verstraal (20), Caro De Ridder (20) and Belle De Haert (22) came from Merelbeke to Borsbeek in a supporters bus. The latter two are also in the core of Floriant, but were not selected. “So we come to cheer our team on. Of course with a beer”, laughs Caro. Simon: “And soon it will be a dirty match in Merelbeke anyway, whether we win or lose. We are already writing history anyway, because Floriant is the first non-Antwerp team to reach the final.”
Korfball is one of the few sports where both boys and girls are on the same team. That’s what makes it special,” said Belle. “The atmosphere is also unique, both on and off the field. The Belgian korfball world is very small and everyone knows everyone. We are all friends. Fun every game, even if your own club isn’t playing. It is always a pleasure.”
No basketball for the faint of heart
The Antwerp Sandra Verlinden (45) is dressed in the red of Borgerhout, but shows herself as a neutral supporter. “I know in both teams that I can win, that’s why.”
What makes korfball special according to her? “It is a sport for the whole family, for young and old. It is a pity that, unlike in the Netherlands, korfball is not so popular here. I think it’s because it’s not advertised enough and the media barely pays attention to it. I hope it will be cleared up soon.”
Her friend Kathleen Bosmans (50) – also in red and neutral – adds: “It is downloaded enormously as a sport. Men often think it’s nothing, but it’s quite intense. It is certainly not ‘basketball for the faint of heart’ as sometimes laughable gets original. Although I used to know little about it myself, until I started playing korfball. Although, because of all those prejudices, he himself struggled with the idea for a long time.”
Mini Cheerleaders
Jonathan Put (25) from Deurne fully supports ‘the Reds’. He also plays for the reserves of the club and is the coach of the U17, the youth team of Borgerhout. “Today there are not only fans of Floriant and Borgerhout in the stands, but also of korfball in general. They come to see the match and the atmosphere. It is therefore a fantastic sport, especially for the players themselves. Not only do you play with the opposite sex, you can’t live without each other either. You stand with two men and two women in one box so you really need. If you are not attuned to each other, then that will cause problems. In short, Korfball is special.”
As predicted, the final in Boeckenberg Sports Center was a lively event. In the packed stands the supporters – including drums, horns and mini cheerleaders – went wild and on the field it went very smoothly. But the Antwerp honor could not be saved… Floriant went back to Merelbeke with the title, after a nasty match. (mibl)