Remembering Mustafa Şamil Ekinci: A Legendary President
The funeral prayer for Mustafa Şamil Ekinci was held at Levent Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Mosque at noon. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the world of sports, politics, and the Trabzonspor community. Among those present were Trabzonspor Club President Ertuğrul Doğan, former presidents Faruk Özak, Sadri Şener, Muharrem Usta, Ahmet Ağaoğlu, Istanbulspor Club President Ecmel Sarıalioğlu, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç, Ekinci’s family, and his many admirers.
After the funeral prayer, Mustafa Şamil Ekinci was laid to rest at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery. The burial marked the end of an era for Trabzonspor, as Ekinci was a key figure in shaping the club’s rich history.
A Legacy of Success: Ekinci’s Contributions to Trabzonspor
In a statement following the funeral ceremony, Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan paid tribute to Ekinci’s legacy, highlighting his integral role in the club’s success. Doğan expressed deep sorrow over Ekinci’s passing, emphasizing that his contributions to Trabzonspor would never be forgotten.
“Mustafa Şamil Ekinci was one of the most important figures in shaping the Trabzonspor legend. His loss is deeply felt by the entire community. His place can never be filled. Our condolences go out to his family and all of Trabzonspor fans. He was a significant asset to us. We lost our former president Mehmet Ali Yılmaz earlier this year as well. These individuals are the pillars of the Trabzonspor legend. It is crucial to recognize the value of the legacy they have created. It is now our responsibility to continue this legacy. We must act together as one, united Trabzonspor family, regardless of the circumstances. We see now that we have no friends but ourselves. It is imperative for all Trabzonspor supporters to come together and uphold this sense of unity within the club,” Doğan stated.
Former president Muharrem Usta, who served as president for five years and led the club to four league championships during his tenure, also shared his reflections on Ekinci’s remarkable contributions to Trabzonspor.
“Şamil president was our true legendary leader. He served as president during a challenging period, under difficult circumstances. Moreover, he was not from Trabzon but from Kırşehir. Imagine being a newly promoted Anatolian team in the league and achieving an incredible success four times in a row within a short period. Looking back as a young generation, he accomplished an impossible feat. It is impossible not to admire him. He was a valuable asset to the club, a significant figure that the younger generation needs to recognize. We are grateful for everything he has done, may he rest in peace,” Usta remarked.
Ekinci’s Enduring Impact on Trabzonspor
Mustafa Şamil Ekinci’s tenure as president of Trabzonspor left an indelible mark on the club’s history. His leadership, vision, and dedication were instrumental in guiding the team to numerous successes on and off the field.
Under Ekinci’s stewardship, Trabzonspor experienced a period of unparalleled growth and achievement. His strategic decisions and unwavering commitment to the club’s values helped elevate Trabzonspor to new heights of excellence.
Ekinci’s influence extended far beyond the realm of sports. He was a unifying force within the Trabzonspor community, bringing together fans, players, and staff members in a shared sense of purpose and pride.
As Trabzonspor mourns the loss of a beloved leader, the legacy of Mustafa Şamil Ekinci will continue to inspire future generations of fans and players alike. His passion for the club, coupled with his unwavering dedication to its success, will forever be remembered as a defining chapter in Trabzonspor’s storied history.
In conclusion, Mustafa Şamil Ekinci’s contributions to Trabzonspor will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. His impact on the club and its community is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire all those who follow in his footsteps. May he rest in peace.