Nearly a yr has handed since Türkiye’s devastating Feb. 6 twin earthquakes left the southeastern province of Hatay within the throes of devastation.
However, the indelible affect of the tremors, which killed over 53,000 individuals, persists within the collective consciousness of Hatayspor’s soccer gamers, who, regardless of the passage of time, discover it unimaginable to erase the haunting reminiscences.
Kerim Alıcı and Mehdi Boudjemaa, two notable figures throughout the staff, spoke of the profound difficulties confronted throughout that tumultuous interval, emphasizing their dedication to enjoying every match as a tribute to the resilience of the individuals of Hatay.
Turkish Süper Lig aspect Hatayspor underwent a means of recuperation below the strategic steering of coach Volkan Demirel following the cataclysmic earthquakes of Feb. 6, 2023. Subsequently relocating their operations to neighboring Mersin, with Mersin Stadium serving as their new house floor, the staff continues to hone their expertise.
Despite the outward look of normalcy, the enduring emotional scars stay palpable among the many whole staff, spanning from the technical employees to the gamers, who steadfastly uphold their dedication to enjoying for the collective reminiscence of Hatay.
“We underwent a profound ordeal, losing teammates, our sports director and colleagues. May their souls rest in peace. I extend my heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families,” he stated.
“Aligned with our coach’s guidance, our endeavor this year is to instill hope and bring solace to the community,” Alıcı added. “We endeavor to pour every ounce of our being onto the field.”
Acknowledging the gravity of their shared tribulations, Alıcı stated, “Individuals such as (Christian) Atsu, Taner (Savut), our kitman Onur (Akdeniz) and our staff Suzan (Berber), were all exemplary individuals.”
Hatayspor footballer Christian Atsu and Sporting Director Taner Savut have been each killed within the catastrophic 7.7 and seven.8 earthquakes that leveled huge areas within the metropolis.
“It proved challenging for us to refocus on football in the aftermath. Nevertheless, life persists. The pain lingers in our hearts. This year, our objective is to take to the field, battling for the happiness of Hatay’s residents.”
Addressing the lingering challenges in Hatay post-earthquake, he stated: “Our earnest desire is to expeditiously return to Hatay and resume our operations there. Presently, the steadfast support from Hatay fans, converging upon Mersin, serves as a constant source of strength. Our aspiration is to contribute to the city’s resurgence. Upon its recovery, our aim is to return. Celebrating a two-match winning streak brings joy, and the inclusion of new team members fortifies our resolve. I hope we can sustain this momentum, achieving a commendable streak.”
Seeking solace amidst recollections, footballer Boudjemaa stated: “It stands as one of the most arduous days I have ever witnessed – a dreadful tragedy. Those tumultuous days were arduous not only for us but for the entire populace of Hatay and Türkiye.” Boudjemaa added, “I endeavor to minimize my recollections of those days, striving to immerse myself in football. They were profoundly distressing days, marked by considerable hardship.”
Expressing a eager for the heat of Hatay, Boudjemaa lamented, “In Hatay, one experienced a profound sense of community. Every outing brought forth recognition and warm greetings. I miss those interactions – be it a visit to the local butcher or shopping for my dogs. I yearn to return to Hatay promptly, reuniting with its people and finding comfort in familiar surroundings.”
“Hatay was more than a location; it was a sanctuary. Regrettably, a return seems elusive. I fervently hope that requisite measures are expeditiously undertaken for the betterment of both Hatay and Hatayspor,” he added.
In extending condolences to the residents of Hatay on the solemn anniversary, Boudjemaa stated: “Our thoughts perpetually dwell on them. As evident in our recent match, we stepped onto the field with a shared purpose – for them. The emotional weight on people remains palpable. We experienced an analogous tragedy, and the indelible memories persist. It is inconceivable for us to forget. All football players share this sentiment.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com