Reliable defender Lei Clijsters was a treat to watch whenever he played for the Red Devils in the company of established defenders like Eric Gerets, Franky van der Elst, Georges Grun, Felip Albert and De Wolf. His sense for organized positional play backed up by the alert, jovial and acrobatic Jean Marie Pfaff in the goal meant there was plenty of room for innovations for trainer and disciplinarian the late Guy Thijs of legendary fame. Midfield maestros Rene Vanderijcken, Vercauteren, Demol, Leo van der Elst and Versavel dazzled around the versatile Enzo Scifo. Goals came in regular supply from the boots of Jan Ceulemans, Philip de Smedth and the heading genius of the genial Ervin van den Bergh. Clijster's tenacity and fighting qualities for his own personal comebacks and his eye for skillfull distribution to better placed linkmen were important in the glorious chapter of Belgian soccer. The former defender in the company of his illustrious colleagues of the 1980s was a pillar in the Belgian football edifice. Certainly Lei Clijsters is an inspiration to many sportspersons including to tennis great Kim. Our best wishes to Kim in her tennis career in particular and in life as well.
