Markus Krebs, originally from Duisburg, now finds himself on the opposite team.
In a symbolic gesture to ease local tensions and delve into the shared history of two previously rival Duisburg districts, Markus Krebs, a native Duisburger who recently moved to Kaldenhausen, embarked on a sightseeing tour of Rumeln-Kaldenhausen with Ferdi Seidelt. Known as "Mr. Rumeln-Kaldenhausen," Seidelt is a long-time local politician and community leader with a remarkable 46-year tenure as a volunteer municipal politician in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
The tour, which included significant sites such as the old Rumeln-Kaldenhausen town hall, served as a "history crash course" under Seidelt's guidance. The round table led by Seidelt has constructed an open-air museum at the town hall, which represents the wedding of Rumeln and Kaldenhausen (1934), the once-existing farms, and the era of Zeche Fritz (1937 to 1973).
The open-air museum features three key elements: a Wappenwand (coat of arms wall) that commemorates the 1934 merger of Rumeln and Kaldenhausen in marriage symbolism; a Bauern-Remise (farmers' outbuilding) representing the roughly 200 small and large farms that once characterized the area; and a Bergbau-Stollen (mining tunnel) honoring the Fritz Coal Mine, which operated from 1937 until 1973.
Seidelt, who has worked at the event location "Waldborn" for over 16 years, holding various positions such as dishwasher, kitchen helper, woodcutter, and handyman, accompanied Krebs to provide historical context and insight. The tour was particularly significant as Krebs' wife, Jacqueline, is a trained Rumelner.
Meanwhile, the sports field of FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen, located nearby, holds a special place in the history of the area. In the past, a women's football miracle was created there, culminating in winning the UEFA Champions League, led by individuals like Maren Meinert, Martina Voss, Inka Grings, and others.
In other news, the focus this year for FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen is on leading the men's team back to the A-Liga. Gregor Grillemeier, who led the men's team to the Landesliga, is at the helm.
Markus Krebs, with his successful company "Firewood Rental" and new program "Bierschaum ist mein Lippenstift," will be a shirt sponsor for FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen. On Seidelt's suggestion, Krebs and the "Waldborn" crew will offer special best-of Markus Krebs performances for the local population in the short and medium term.
Murat Hizardere, who saved the dilapidated buildings at "Waldborn" and continues the family Dimmer's cultural heritage with his daughter Merve Kocar, also played a crucial role in preserving the area's history. The population in Rumeln-Kaldenhausen exploded after the miners, railway workers, and Bayer people, with the first Krupp settlement being built at Bonerthof.
Markus Krebs' popularity, with over six million views on YouTube, is opening new stage jobs and further TV engagements for him. This tour of Rumeln-Kaldenhausen marks a significant step in bridging the gap between the two previously contentious neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into their rich history and cultural evolution.
Football, being a significant part of the area's history, was showcased at the sports field of FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen, where a women's team previously created a miracle by winning the UEFA Champions League, led by players such as Maren Meinert, Martina Voss, and Inka Grings. Now, the focus for FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen is on leading their men's team back to the A-Liga, under the guidance of Gregor Grillemeier, who helped the men's team reach the Landesliga. Additionally, Markus Krebs, who is sponsoring FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen with his successful company "Firewood Rental" and new program "Bierschaum ist mein Lippenstift," will offer special performances in the local community as suggested by Ferdi Seidelt.
