Chelsea FC is the big winner of the 4th edition of the KDB Cup, the international U15 tournament named after Kevin De Bruyne. A magnificent field of participants (including FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and of course Manchester City) and notable guests such as Kevin De Bruyne himself, Tessa Wullaert and national coach Roberto Martínez attracted a new record number of 10,000 football fans to Drongen.
In a hard-fought final Racing Genk turned a 1-0 deficit into a 1-2 advantage before half-time. Chelsea came alongside halfway through the second half with a penalty goal. The equal score remained on the scoreboard until the end. In the penalty shootout Chelsea pulled out the longest straw.
Frank O'Brien, Player Development Officer at Chelsea, was particularly complimentary afterwards. "The experience of playing against teams like PSG, PSV, Anderlecht and Bayern Munich is invaluable for our boys. They can't wait to go to Europe and play against those 'magic names', especially during a very well organised tournament like this one. The fact that we are now on the honours list is fantastic."
Final standings KDB Cup 2019:
1 Chelsea FC
2 Racing Genk
3 Feyenoord Rotterdam
4 PSV Eindhoven
5 FC Barcelona
6 Bayern Munich
7 Odense BK
8 RSC Anderlecht
9 Paris Saint-Germain
10 Club Brugge
11 Manchester City
12 KAA Gent
Chelsea's Charlie Webster best player of the tournament
Charlie Webster, Chelsea's graceful central midfielder, was voted best player of the tournament. Josh Clarkealso from Chelsea, was the best goalie. Angel Alarcón FC Barcelona crowned himself top marksman with 4 goals in 5 matches. Finally, Feyenoord Rotterdam won the fair play trophy.
Kevin De Bruyne: "Perfect organization provides very good reputation"
On Saturday Kevin De Bruyne himself at 'his' tournament. He was (again) delighted about the organisation and about the talent he saw at work. "I always enjoy coming back to the place where my football career started. It's great to see those young guys at work here. The KDB Cup has acquired a very good reputation in the international football world in a short period of time. I am very happy to lend my name to the tournament. If the organisation wasn't perfect, all those top teams wouldn't come to Drongen.
Also Red Flame Tessa Wullaert came to Drongen. The two-time Golden Shoe player joined De Bruyne last season with Manchester City and promptly grabbed the FA Cup. She happily made time for an extensive photo and autograph session with the fans.
Federal coach Roberto Martínez came to the KDB Cup for the first time, both on Saturday and Sunday. "This is really a tournament that Belgium can be proud of: perfectly organised down to the last detail, from the care taken by the fans to the state of the grass. For me personally it is a unique opportunity to see young Belgian talent at work against peers from abroad and be able to compare. But especially for the players themselves, tasting such an intense experience is very instructive. An excellent thing for the future of our football."
Also G-football at the KDB Cup: "Heartwarming passion"
Just like Kevin The KDB Cup also has a big heart for disabled sportsmen and women. That is why demonstration games of G-football were organised again on Saturday afternoon. "At the KDB Cup, the experience always comes first, both on and off the field", says KDB Cup Chairman Paul Naudts. "That's why we also give children and adults with disabilities the chance to shine during our tournament. The passion with which they play football is heartwarming."
That is clearly the opinion of former judoka Gella Vandecaveyewho is a G-Marke godmother, and Miss Belgium 2019. Elena Castro Suarez: They came by on Saturday to kick off the match between G-football Marke and G-Jago Sint-Amandsberg. G-Cercle Brugge played against G-Ajax Amsterdam.
Paul Naudts: "Top weekend worthy of the name Kevin De Bruyne".
Naturally, the organisers of the KDB Cup were once again very satisfied with the past edition. "It was a fantastic weekend, with top level youth football, worthy of the name Kevin De Bruyne"Chairman Paul Naudts said. "I thank our 300 volunteers; I thank all of our sponsors, especially our new title sponsor Rock Nation Sports; and I especially thank our more than 10,000 visitors. See you all next year!"
The fifth edition of the KDB Cup will be a special one during the Whitsun weekend of 30 and 31 May 2020.
