Club Brugge is the number one team in the Jupiler Pro League, with 6 points from 2 games. Kyriani Sabbe is one of the players who has helped the team reach the top. But who is he really? In this interview, Sabbe talks about his unusual hobbies, his love for goalkeeping and his favorite team.
Why didn't you become a sprinter?
Because I sprinted 33 km/h? Gosh, I don't think I have the physical build for that. That's usually for slender, explosive, larger types. On the 100-meter dash, I'd probably be the last one to finish, those high-intensity runs on a field are more like snapshots. How can you get faster? I have no idea. Although, during the corona pandemic, I once looked up a sprint coach. He had me do sprints with a parachute on my back. At this level, every detail is important, so I was definitely open to it. And I've - but that's been a long time ago - also followed my father's bike behind. When he accelerated, I had to follow and bite down on my teeth. (laughs)
Why didn't you want to become a footballer?
When I was a toddler, I went to Ichtegem to play football? It didn't mean much to me, to be honest. My brother did it and that was the only connection. I'd rather play with my friends on the Nintendo Wii console or go on bike rides. I never played on the playgrounds and certainly not at school. Until my friend Silas asked if I wanted to go play with him at Ichtegem, it never occurred to me. I started playing football for social reasons. (laughs) I got my first ball and was immediately sold. A few months later, Club Brugge approached my mom in Torhout and the rest is history.
You scored three hat-tricks that day?
I remember mostly that we played in a mud pit and that I threw tackle after tackle. I had a blast and that apparently worked contagiously on the scouts. Not long after, we were together and I got to dream of playing for the most beautiful club in Belgium. When Brugge comes, you don't say no. My best match at Ichtegem? One we won 29-0. I scored 25 goals that day. I even started to get a bit tired of it, so I asked if I could go in goal. From striker to goalkeeper, and that among children a year older. But I had a blast. I've often played in goal with my brother in the garden. So, if Ivan Leko…? Yes, I'll go in goal. Or it'll be Lynnt Audoor, who does that too.
Set up your team in reverse?
After his beautiful goal against Genk, Brandon Mechele is my number 1 striker. What I thought of his World Cup? Well, then you feel that the respect and praise he received there gave him an extra boost. I'm super happy for him. What he's already proven in Brugge, he can now also show at the highest level. Joa Seys I put on the right wing. He's quick and can make plenty of actions. Audoor in goal because he wants to. Left back is then for Carlos Forbs, because he can also defend well. Romeo Vermant central behind me, we used to play together at U13. Do you know? I put Hans Vanaken central behind me, I'll take the 6-position. Jorne Spileers on the 10, of course. He was even a striker at U13 and can certainly win a header. Important. I must not forget the 8, do Tresoldi, he's complete enough to handle that. Vetlesen then still on right back.
