Waiting at home: "Kryvbas" dedicated the match with "Kolos" to the club's captive fans Semen "Smishnyi" and Oleksii "Pont"

On September 5, before the match of the 5th round of the UPL season 2026/2027 "Kryvbas" - "Kolos", a special event was held dedicated to our defenders who are defending Ukraine and are in russian captivity.

The football players of "Kryvbas" came out to the game in special T-shirts with images of two fans of the club - servicemen Semen "Smishnyi" ("Kryvyi") and Oleksii "Pont". The guys defended Ukraine and are currently in captivity.

During the teams' exit, the fan sector lit fireworks. Against the backdrop of red-and-white pyrotechnics and T-shirts with images of our defenders, this moment became a powerful symbol of the unity of the team and fans. Before the starting whistle, the announcer announced that the match was symbolically to be started by Semen "Kryvyi" and Oleksii "Pont" - two servicemen and big fans of "Kryvbas".

The stadium greeted these words with loud applause. After that, there was a short pause - about 30 seconds. Everyone was waiting for the guys to enter the field and symbolically start the match.

However, this did not happen.

“Unfortunately, this cannot happen today, because the guys are in captivity. We are waiting for all our defenders and especially for them,” the stadium loudspeakers said.

This pause became an important reminder of those who cannot be with their families, friends and beloved club today. We remember our military, we wait for them and believe in their return home. After the match, the Kryvbas players went to the fan section. Together with the sister and stepfather of Semen and Oleksii, the fans and the team players took a joint photo.

“Kryvbas” remembers. “Kryvbas” waits. “Kryvbas” believes. And we will definitely wait.

Oleksii Kachuyevskyi "Pont". Soldier, gunner-operator of the Azov Special Forces.

After the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Oleksii Kachuyevskyi, together with his friend and comrade Yehor Birkun ("Bir"), stood up for the defense of Ukraine. Despite health problems that previously prevented him from serving in the military, Oleksii made his choice - to defend his native land.

He went through the defense of Mariupol, and after the order, he was taken into honorable captivity. Oleksii was illegally sentenced to 24 years in prison. He is currently in the Donetsk SIZO, where regular court hearings are underway.

But even in the most difficult circumstances, "Pont" does not lose his main weapon - optimism. He maintains a cheerful disposition, supports his family and friends, and remains a support for them, despite the huge distance that separates them today.

Since adolescence, Oleksii has been a devoted football fan. His love for football did not disappear even in captivity. He remains a representative of “The Company” and continues to maintain contact with his favorite game.

Semen Severin “Kryvyi” (“Smishnyi”). Senior soldier, mortarman of the “Azov” regiment.

Semen Severin has been a devoted fan of FC “Kryvbas” since childhood. Whenever possible, he came to the matches of his favorite team, supporting the red and whites from the stands. Semen is a representative of the “Old School Kryvbas” fan community.

For his courage, bravery and dedication, he was awarded the “Defender of the Fatherland” award of the President of Ukraine.

Semen courageously defended Mariupol and “Azovstal”, remaining faithful to his military oath to the last. In fulfillment of the command order, in order to save the lives of his comrades, he went into honorary captivity.

His captivity has lasted for 4 years, 3 months and 21 days - 1574 calendar days.

During this time, russia has illegally convicted Semen three times. He is currently being illegally imprisoned in a colony in Sibir.

Despite all the trials, Semen remains unbreakable. And the fight for his freedom, his return home and the right to be heard in freedom is continued by his sister Daria.

Guys, we are waiting for your return. Hold on. We remember you and are waiting at home. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih