More than 30,000 people from across Croatia gathered yesterday afternoon at the Poljud stadium in Split to say a final goodbye to Mate Miša Kovač. The stadium was packed to the last seat, and free tickets for the farewell were distributed within just a few hours.
The farewell ceremony began at 17:30. Kovač's songs were performed by his colleagues and friends, including Mladen Grdović, Dražen Zečić, Jole, Giuliano, Alen Nižetić, the klapa Rišpet, and the klapa of the Croatian Navy, Sveti Juraj. The audience sang many of Kovač's hits along with them, while the cry of "Mišo, Mišo, Mišo!" rang out continuously from the stands.
Among the attendees was Hajduk captain Marko Livaja, who chose a seat on the north stand, among the fans. Most of Hajduk's players watched the programme from the stadium's box. A video of the farewell was published by Livaja's wife, Iris Livaja.
During the farewell, a hearse carrying the coffin drove around the football pitch. After the ceremony at Poljud, Kovač's remains set off on a final journey through Dalmatia.
The burial of Mate Miša Kovač will take place on Wednesday, 4 November, at the Mirogoj cemetery in Zagreb. He will be buried next to his son, Edij, and the funeral will be held within the family circle. A commemoration will be held on Wednesday, 11 November, at 12:00 in the Small Hall of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.
