SV St. Johann remains in the lower league: triumph with a moving farewell!

SV St. Johann remains in the lower league: triumph with a moving farewell!

SV Teubl St. Johann in der Haide secured their stay in the Lower League East on June 16, 2025 with an impressive 3-1 win against SV Schü Kaindorf. This season was considered one of the most difficult in the club's history, with relegation to the regional league already appearing certain. However, on June 11th, chairman Mario Zug Schwert received the relief news that Kaindorf Heiligenkreuz am Waasen was ceasing play, which led to two decisive relegation games against SV Schü Kaindorf. Goalkeeper Elias Ferstl was even brought back from vacation in Slovenia to support his team.

In the first relegation game, the teams were unable to score points and drew 0-0. The second leg then took place in the RM Stadium in St. Johann, in front of over 700 spectators. Tensions were high when Thomas Reisinger made it 1-0 for St. Johann in the 4th minute. Although Karoly Bogyo equalized for Kaindorf in the 23rd minute, St. Johann retained the upper hand: Reisinger gave the home team the lead again in the 36th minute before Zsolt Hegyesi increased it to 3-1 shortly before half-time.

Farewell to Ewald Frey

The success was particularly emotional because chairman Zug Schwert dedicated the victory to the late coach Ewald Frey, who died on May 13, 2025 at the age of 44 after a short, serious illness. Frey was not only a highly respected football expert, but also an important person in the club. He transformed a squad into a close-knit team and leaves a lasting legacy. Many in the football community mourn his passing and recognize his achievements as a coach and player. His active career took him to the Oberliga, the second highest division in Styria.

The sadness for Frey was palpable in the post-game celebration, which was accompanied by raindrops. Neo-coach Janos Glemba, who has already taken over training operations, praised the team's solidarity during this difficult phase. Mayor Günter Müller recalled the opening of the sports facility on June 18, 2000 and today's success 25 years later, which is also a sign of the club's stability and strength.

With this triumph, SV St. Johann in der Haide not only secured relegation, but also showed how strong the cohesion in the community is, despite the painful loss of Ewald Frey, who was a friend and a personality for many. The club said in its farewell: “You will always have a place in our hearts.”

For further information on what is happening around the club, visit meinbezirk.at and ligaportal.at.