Dr. J.H. Druif was a pivotal figure in the development and governance of football in Medan, serving as the chairman of the Medan District of the Oost Sumatra Voetbal Bond (O.S.V.B.) for a decade. His tenure, which began in the early 1930s, was characterized by strong leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to building a robust football community in the region. Under his guidance, the Medan District O.S.V.B. transformed from a relatively unstructured entity into a well-organized, internationally connected football association, gaining recognition both locally and abroad.
One of Dr. Druif’s major achievements was the transformation of the organization’s financial stability. When he took over, the Medan District O.S.V.B. was facing a precarious financial situation with a significant deficit. Through meticulous financial management and a series of cost-cutting measures, he successfully turned the organization’s finances around, converting a large deficit into a positive balance. This achievement ensured that the district became financially stable, allowing it to support its initiatives and expand its reach.
Dr. Druif was also a key figure in the improvement of football infrastructure in Medan. He initiated negotiations with local authorities to develop a new, well-equipped football field at Manggalaan, which would have provided better facilities for players and the community. Although the plans were delayed due to external factors, his efforts marked a significant step toward modernizing football facilities in the region, demonstrating his commitment to creating a better environment for the sport.
Under his leadership, Dr. Druif established valuable international connections between the Medan District O.S.V.B. and prominent football organizations such as the Dutch Indies Football Union (N.I.V.U.) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (F.I.F.A.). These relationships positioned Medan as a respected player in the broader football community and facilitated the exchange of teams and expertise with international clubs. This international engagement helped raise the profile of the Medan District, making it a notable presence in the global football landscape.
In addition to his strategic contributions, Dr. Druif was a strong advocate for discipline and sportsmanship. He introduced new measures to monitor and improve player behavior, leading to a significant reduction in misconduct and setting high standards for the association. One notable policy was the introduction of a system where repeated warnings resulted in suspensions, which created a culture of accountability and respect among players. His focus on fair play helped to establish a reputation for high-quality sportsmanship in the region.
Beyond his organizational reforms, Dr. Druif’s leadership was marked by his ability to bring people together. He worked tirelessly to unify various clubs and stakeholders, fostering a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. He mediated conflicts and maintained a focus on the collective good, which earned him widespread respect within the community. His inclusive and collaborative approach made him a trusted figure who could navigate the complexities of managing a diverse group of clubs and players.
Dr. Druif’s departure from Medan was marked by widespread appreciation for his contributions. He was unanimously appointed as honorary chairman of the Medan District O.S.V.B., a testament to his impact on the organization and its members. In his farewell address, which he referred to as his “football testament,” he urged the new leadership and clubs to continue upholding the values of discipline, cooperation, and sportsmanship. His legacy is remembered as that of a visionary leader who not only strengthened football in Medan but also laid the groundwork for its future growth and success.
Communities appreciation (Deli Courant 28-11-1938)
During Dr. J.H. Druif’s farewell event, representatives from various communities came together to express their appreciation for his contributions and leadership. Mr. L.J. Schüller, speaking on behalf of the European community and the O.S.V.B. board, highlighted Dr. Druif’s role in transforming the football organization over the past decade. He praised Dr. Druif for implementing universal football regulations that were accepted by everyone, creating a unified football organization that spanned the entire region. Schüller also mentioned that the afternoon’s tournament was a testament to Dr. Druif’s leadership and the strong foundation he built.
The newly appointed chairman of the Medan District, A.A. den Hartog, emphasized Dr. Druif’s influence on building up football in Medan and making it a model for other districts in the region. He acknowledged Dr. Druif’s dedication to maintaining high standards of discipline and sportsmanship, which set Medan apart as an example to be followed. Den Hartog assured the audience that the new leadership would continue Dr. Druif’s work and ensure that Medan remained a stronghold of football excellence.
Dr. Saoedin, representing the Indigenous footballers, shared his gratitude for Dr. Druif’s efforts to overcome challenges and improve the standard of football along the East Coast of Sumatra. He noted that, thanks to Dr. Druif’s guidance, the quality of football in the region was now comparable to that of other parts of the Dutch East Indies. He also expressed personal thanks for Dr. Druif’s support of the Indigenous football club, Unie Kampong, and highlighted how Dr. Druif’s influence extended beyond administrative boundaries.
The referees, represented by Mr. Schlette, praised Dr. Druif’s commitment to the development of quality officiating in the region. He pointed out that Dr. Druif’s establishment of referee training courses was a significant contribution that would leave a lasting impact. Mr. Yap Gim Sek, O.S.V.B.’s secretary, expressed his admiration for Dr. Druif’s perseverance and leadership. He mentioned that although they only worked together for three years, Dr. Druif’s wisdom and steadfast support had been invaluable in navigating the organization through challenges.
Dr. J.H. Druif’s tenure at the O.S.V.B. left an indelible mark on the Medan football community, setting a high standard for leadership and governance in sports organizations across the region. His work laid a foundation that supported the continued growth and professionalism of football in Medan, and his legacy continues to inspire future leaders in the sports community.
Several notable clubs and teams were active in Medan at the time included:
- M.C.V.C. (Medan Chinese Voetbal Club): A prominent club with strong performances in various local competitions.
- U.V.V. (Unie Voetbal Vereeniging), previously U.K.V.C. (Unie Kampong Voetbal Club)
- K.R.I.S. : A club based in Tandjoeng Balei, often involved in matches with Medan teams.
- Go Ahead: Another local club frequently mentioned in tournaments.
- C.S.C. (Chinese Sports Club): A team that represented the Chinese community in Medan.
- M.S.V. Medan Sport Vereeniging
- Sahata – a Batak football group
- D.L.S.V (Deli Langkat Sport Vereeniging)
- S.S.V. Sinar Sport Vereeniging
- I.V.C.
- H.V.V.
- Deli Mij
- shell SC
- S.S.C.
- V.O.P.
- Li Chi Hui
The O.S.V.B. (Oost Sumatra Voetbal Bond) was the overarching association coordinating football activities and competitions among these clubs, and it was implied that many smaller community and company-based teams also participated
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