Rapid family supports Sergej Mandreko
Whoever looks back on the Green & White sides of the 1990’s won't have to think too long before the name Sergej Mandreko springs into consciousness. The midfielder donned the Rapid shirt for five seasons, making 128 competitive appearances, scoring 19 goals. The Tajik was part of the legendary Rapid side that lifted the cup in 1995, won the league in 1996, and reached the Cup Winner's Cup final in 1996.
Following his time with Rapid, Mandreko went on to represent Hertha BSC, Vfl Bochum, Mattersburg, and Parndorf before hanging up his boots and going into management. His first station after his playing career was with Lassee, before he took the job as Co-Trainer at Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow. Since 2015 he has overseen Viennese City League team LAC Inter.
We have received the news that Sergej is suffering under the nerve illness ALS, which damages the nerve cells necessary for muscle movement. The illness requires a myriad of expensive therapies - and it is here that SK Rapid is looking to help Sergej. The road ahead for Sergej is going to be a long and difficult one, as the illness is under researched and very sadly terminal.
At the next home game against SCR Altach (Saturday April 15, kick-off 18:30) the Rapid family will swing into action: players and advisors, business partners, club executives and management, club employees, the board and all fans who wish to help Sergej can take part in a collection. The proceeds will all be put towards the necessary therapy for our Rapid legend.
On Easter Monday (April 17) Mandreko's club LAC Inter will take part in a Legends Benefit Match, which will also feature Rapid greats from days' past. CEO Christoph Peschek and two Rapid players will be on hand to hand over the entire proceeds, whilst the two players will also be signing autographs for fans.
CEO Business Christoph Peschek: "The Rapid family comes together particularly in times of hardship. This is a matter of great importance and clearly the club will take part in these benefit events for one of its most distinguished players. Through our collection at the home game against Altach we want to do our bit to support Sergej and ensure he gets the therapy he needs. We are hoping for lots of donations."
Club Service Leader Andy Marek: "I had the pleasure of getting to know Sergej during the period when we were cup winners, league champions and Cup Winner’s Cup finalists. We also spent time together later through our youth training camps. He is a fighter, and its exactly this quality that he now needs. Sergej was always the first to step forwards to help others, and that’s exactly what we are now going to do - help!"
(gw)