Remembering Marian Cozma

 

Many Fans arrived to the square in front of Veszprém Arena today at 6:00 p.m. This time they did not come to a game with horns, scarfs and flags, but with flowers, candles to honor the great player of our team Marian Cozma who died under tragic circumstances exactly ten years ago. Officials of the city and our Club participated, also the current team of Telekom Veszprém, and many other former teammates of Marian.

 

 

Gyula Porga, mayor of Veszprém city, who said, opened the line of speeches: “Upon thinking about Marian Cozma’s tragic death, let us not forget about his great life, which was outstandingly successful. We should do everything in the future to honor the favorite of Veszprém, the world-class sportsman and real friend in his deserved place.” The leader of the city told that: “Marian Cozma will forever be a citizen of Veszprém. We loved him as a great, noble soul and real friend, like our brother.”

 

 

Dr. Péter Magyarády, the former president of Veszprém Handball Club shared his personal memories about the great Romanian line player, who declined the offer of top European clubs just so he can stay in Veszprém in order to continue his improvement and career here. “In 2008, in the Cup Winner’s Cup final in Mannheim, everyone can remember who saw it, Marian Cozma showed world-class values. The ones we hoped we would see from him. It was clear that he is going to be an excellent player, or can be one and the world and the opportunities are ahead of him as it is in front of every great player.”

 

 

In the name of Marian Cozma’s former team Dr. Lajos Mocsai Professor, our former head coach gave a speech who remembered the hard days after the tragic incident and that one of a kind mental strength that was among the team at that time. That team was not only treated as a family by Marian, but everyone felt the same way in Romania as well. “That attitude, that atmosphere, that passion which connected us that time appears rarely.” At the end of his speech, the coach said: “When we remember of him, please remember those who fought through that period with him as well.”

 

 

István Gyurákovics represented the Veszprém Fan Association and remembered the incident through the eyes of the fans. He highlighted that not only Marian but his father Petre Cozma, showed huge human values and held an example for everyone. Besides the hurting memories, he shared some funny stories as well as the great pivot was always in his comedic self. Lastly, he closed his speech as follows: “Dear "Birdy", I hope you are very happy up there, and please, never take off your guarding wings from the team of Veszprém.”

  

 

 Photo: Dávid Vörös