Foppe de Haan made a memorable return to the Abe Lenstra Stadion on Saturday evening, March 22, 2025, leading a team of SC Heerenveen legends in a special charity match against fellow club icon Gertjan Verbeek. This event was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the stadium’s inauguration, a day that not only honored the past but also spotlighted the enduring legacy of Heerenveen’s beloved home.
De Haan, now 81, expressed his excitement, reminiscing about his time with the club. "This is something I haven’t experienced in a long time," he said, recalling how he had been the head coach from 1994, the very year the stadium opened. He continued his journey with the team until 2004 and made a brief return in the 2015/16 season. An iconic figure at SC Heerenveen, his long association with the club brought hundreds of fans together for this nostalgic night.
Among the legendary names making an appearance were Georgios Samaras, who played for the club from 2002 to 2006, contributing to over a hundred matches. Samaras, reflecting on his time at SC Heerenveen, shared, "I came here as a boy at the age of sixteen and left as a man. It’s beautiful to celebrate the history of this wonderful club and this lovely stadium. The recognition I receive from the younger generation shows that the club’s tradition is passed down from parents to children."
The charity match featured several renowned players who donned the iconic pompeblêd shirt once again, including Afonso Alves, Igor Korneev, Petter Hansson, and Daniel Pranjic. This festive evening was a true celebration of SC Heerenveen's storied past, marked by considerable achievements since the stadium's opening, including participation in the UEFA Champions League and winning the KNVB Cup.
As the match commenced, a sense of camaraderie filled the stadium, where fans cheered for both teams. Coaches De Haan and Verbeek, both revered by the Heerenveen faithful, had assembled rosters full of former stars. The game was structured into three periods of 25 minutes each, highlighting the skills that made these players legends in their own right.
Though the match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, it showcased a plethora of talent from yesteryear. Erik Tammer stole some of the limelight for Team Foppe, netting a hat trick. On behalf of Team Verbeek, Alfred Finnbogason scored twice and Lasse Nilsson also found the back of the net, leaving the match well contested and evenly matched.
Both coaches took turns managing their teams with passion and nostalgia. In his role, De Haan reveled in the moments shared with his players, while Verbeek harnessed the competitive spirit that once drove him as a coach. Each goal celebration echoed with the memories of past victories, further enhancing the evening’s thrill.
Notably, the proceeds from this special event, celebrating three decades of history at the Abe Lenstra Stadion, were divided equally between the SC Heerenveen Foundation and the club’s youth academies, showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
The Abe Lenstra Stadion, originally inaugurated by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, has stood as a symbol of pride for SC Heerenveen and its supporters for thirty years. As dusk settled on the eventful evening, echoes of laughter, cheers, and shared history intertwined to create an unforgettable reunion experience. Attendees left with not just memories but also hope for the future, as the rich traditions of SC Heerenveen continue to thrive.
This remarkable night was more than just a football match, marking a bridge between generations—connecting the past glory with the ambitions of future stars. As SC Heerenveen looks ahead, its deep roots will undoubtedly guide the club forward, ensuring the legacy of the pompeblêd shirt lives on.
