A Moving Farewell

“Jambo will always be a part of us”

His “brothers” took Jambo out onto the field.(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

Deep sorrow has gripped the Linz lower-division soccer community following the sudden death of Jean Jocelyn Matemb, who was just 33 years old. His friends, teammates, and former opponents bid farewell to their “Jambo” during a touching memorial service held before the home game.

“Everything for Jambo”—that was the motto for yesterday’s league match between SPG Stahl Linz-Ebelsberg and Union Leonding. As reported, the home team suffered a devastating blow earlier this week. Jean Jocelyn Matemb—known as “Jambo” in Linz’s lower-division soccer circles—was found dead in his bed by the police.

Played for the club for 16 years
The 33-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest early Tuesday morning. When he failed to show up for work, his colleagues grew concerned and alerted the police. “With Jambo, one of our own has left us far too soon. He was someone who was part of our club for many years, who helped shape this club, and who will always remain one of us,” the club mourns the loss of the soccer player. He played for Ebelsberg for 16 years, taking the field for the first team more often than anyone else and distinguishing himself off the field as well with his dedication, passion, and willingness to help.

Donation Account

ASKÖ Ebelsberg Donation Account

IBAN: AT69 3422 6803 0000 5991

Reference: Jambo

Supporting his 8-year-old son and wife
Just last Sunday—a little more than 24 hours before his death—he put on his jersey. Yesterday, his “brothers” had to play their first game without the Cameroonian native. Half an hour before kickoff, everyone gathered on the field to honor their Jambo with an emotional farewell. Hundreds of friends, teammates, and opponents also mourned at the scene. All proceeds were donated to Jambo’s family.

For the 33-year-old’s final wish was to be repatriated to Cameroon to be with his loved ones—above all, his eight-year-old son and his wife: “Today it’s Jambo. But none of us knows what tomorrow will bring, or when someone else in our community might need our support.”