Wolfsburg supporters to partake in funeral march to commemorate Junior Malanda
A funeral march from the "Fanhouse" to the VIP entrance of Volkswagen Arena will take place Sunday as Wolfsburg supporters commemorate Junior Malanda.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder was tragically killed in a car accident on Saturday when his vehicle skidded off a motorway and crashed into a tree near the city of Bielefeld. He was set to join his teammates in Hanover before flying to South Africa, where Wolfsburg will be staging an 11-day training camp.
Over 200 supporters ascended on Volkswagen Arena on Saturday night to light candles and mourn together, and a book of condolences will be provided in the foyer of the VIP entrance from Monday to Friday, allowing fans to enter their personal condolences.
Wolfsburg issued a statement with reaction from a number of club members, all of whom expressed sadness and shock at Malanda's death.
Chairman of the supervisory board Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz:
We are deeply saddened and totally shocked. Junior Malanda was a really young guy and a promising player, who had a great future ahead of him – his life has been cut brutally short far too early. Our thoughts are with his family, who we will attempt to assist at this difficult time. Speaking as a father, there are things that a person should never have to experience. His death is also a huge loss to VfL Wolfsburg.
Director of sport Klaus Allofs:
We are distraught and can simply not find the words to express our bewilderment. We all loved him dearly. He was the positive spirit within the team and a young man full of the joys of life. In addition, Junior was an excellent footballer, merely at the beginning of his development. We cannot believe that he is no longer with us. Our thoughts at this dreadful time are with his family and relatives.
Manager Dieter Hecking:
I can‘t even begin to explain how I am feeling right now and what is going through my mind. We just had a discussion with Junior yesterday and he was eagerly looking forward to his future. It was a joy to work with Junior and we had big plans together. I am unspeakably saddened.