In the picture. Zulte and Waregem celebrate Essevee champions: « Lost my voice on Friday night, but I don’t want to miss this party as a loyal fan » (inland)

From a big chance of tinnitus to a deafening silence, more than 12,000 fans went from heaven to hell for 96 minutes on Friday evening in the Elindus Arena for 96 minutes. Essevee beat leader RWDM on Friday evening and is champion. The atmosphere was particularly exuberant and after the last whistle, the green turf was stormed by thousands of fans. Both in the football stadium and on the Waregem market, the title party lasted until the early hours.

Read too. In the picture. Sold out Elindus Arena and the entire city explode after exciting title match and champion party Essevee: « We have already booked a taxi, and we will be here again on Sunday »

« We were only home after the cleaning at 9 am, » says Valerie Despriet of Café Klauwaert. « It was just like the Waregem Koerse Feesten. The atmosphere was great and the market was packed. The last partygoers did not leave until 7 in the morning. » Two days later – or one day, for some – another party was on the program. Essevee went to the center of Zulte at 2 pm. The players – with small eyes or hiding sunglasses – were received on loud applause.

Exceptional

« For our municipality it is fantastic to have another club in the highest football class, that is quite exceptional, » responds Mayor Simon Lagrange (Open Zulte). « It is a great added value for our residents that they can look at top matches within cycling distance. What is good for the club is also good for the municipality. We are positive about it and it is important that people continue to say ‘Zulte’ Waregem. »

After the first ceremony, the players’ bus went to the Waregem market, where, according to Mayor Kristof Chanterie (CD&V), 3,000 supporters were waiting. The cafés, which were well prepared with outdoor bars, also filled up. « I lost my voice on Friday night, but I don’t want to miss this party as a loyal fan, » says Arne Verbauwhede. « We are taking it a bit easier today, but are going to celebrate our promotion and title. »

Between the crowd, 11-year-old Tanguy Vanderhaeghen from Anzegem hoped to take a look of the champions. « I want to see the players up close, » he says. « Unfortunately I was still traveling on Friday, but I did follow the match. Now I can party. » Marleen Deroose came especially from France to the Waregem center. « This means a lot. It is a crowning glory for all supporters who stand behind their team day in day out, » it sounds.

« I’m not leaving »

“On Friday I almost died during the exciting game. The discharge after the last whistle was huge. This is the team of my heart, and I am vay content.  » A feeling that Christof Landuyt from Ooigem shares. After the ceremony we will go for a good meal to go on afterwards. ”

Captain Jelle Vossen, who took care of the redemption in the 86th minute on Friday, had a surprise in store. Fans had been wondering for a long time whether the striker would extend his contract. In The Wolf of Wall Street-Stijl clearly proclaimed Vossen on Sunday afternoon: « I’m not leaving! ». The umpteenth loud applause echoed in the city center.

Joost Morjean is also happy that the captain is added for a year. « He came to visit me at the hospital last year, Jelle is a great guy. We are already looking forward to next year, then we can again attend out in large sold -out stadiums. That is always a special experience. »