January 6 is a special date in the history of Dynamo Kyiv and all Ukrainian football. Every year on this day the football community remembers Valeriy Vasylovych Lobanovskyi. Today the legendary Dynamo player and coach would have turned 87 years old.
Traditionally on this January day Valeriy Vasylovych’s daughter Svitlana, his family and loved ones, colleagues, former players, friends and ordinary fans gathered at the Master’s grave at Baikove Cemetery as well as near the monument to the Hero of Ukraine close to the Dynamo Stadium that bears his name to honor the memory of a legend of Ukrainian and world football.
The gathering was also joined by players of the Dynamo Youth Sports School which is likewise named after Valeriy Vasylovych. It is important that young footballers know the great history of the club and the biographies of legendary figures who brought glory to Dynamo in Ukraine and far beyond its borders.
In particular Dynamo president’s advisor Oleksii Semenenko told those present about Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s exceptional wisdom and his unique ability to reach every individual.
Renowned Dynamo footballer and coach Leonid Buriak also shared his memories of Valeriy Lobanovskyi:
- Valeriy Vasylovych left us too early. I believe he could have continued working and giving advices to young players. He did so much for me and for many Dynamo footballers. We treat him and his family with great respect.
All of Dynamo’s successes were connected with Lobanovskyi. He was a very wise person, a great coach. The notes he left behind and the victories he achieved - all of that is his legacy.
We miss Valeriy Vasylovych - his advices, his wisdom. Not to mention what kind of person he was.
