For sure, this Saturday, January 29, the hearts of JDA supporters will beat a little stronger for a championship game. At 8:30 p.m., La Jeanne receives the Bourg-en-Bresse team at the Palais des Sports in Dijon. On the floor, it will therefore face former members who have marked its history: Axel Julien playmaker for six seasons from 2015 to 2021 and former team captain. Laurent Legnamecoach of the JDA at his side during the same period and Alexandre Chassen, pivot from 2018 to 2021.
In the classification of the Betclic Elite championship, the JDA is 9th, Bourg-en-Bresse is 12th, two clubs in the soft underbelly of the championship, but which have a common history. Axel Julien had burst into tears at the end of his last match played as captain under the jersey of the JDA. This Saturday night, he sets foot for the first time at the Palais des Sports in Dijon. “It’s true that since the start of the season, I had looked at the date and think that it will be really something strong, both emotionally and on the pitch” he confides.
“The matches won at the Palais des Sports, it was a crazy atmosphere” – Axel Julien – former captain of the JDA
“I’m waiting to see what it will do to me. But yes, I have a lot of memories. Inevitably, in six years, what goes back up is especially the last match with the tribute that was paid to us. These are strong moments. And then all the matches where we won, it was a crazy atmosphere. There is no particular match to stand out, but all the important matches that we won with a full house, this are things that mark. I will remember it all my life, that’s for sure.”
Fans have also long marked the date on their calendars “It’s the match of the year that fans shouldn’t miss” gets excited Isabelle Gelinotte, the president of Kop Sud. “We have experienced so many strong things with them, I will not leave the Palais des Sports without being able to go and greet them, chat a little with them. They play in red, but it remains the JDA family. They put gold on this club“ she slips with emotion.
“They put gold on the JDA” – Isabelle Gelinotte, president of supporters
The supporters have not planned a special welcome or banners this evening so as not to disturb the players who are already well moved by this reunion. The Palais des Sports in Dijon should be full, since due to the health crisis the gauge remains limited to 2,000 places.