Urbain Braems was born on November 10, 1933. He played football (among others) for Zottegem, Racing Mechelen, Club Brugge and Daring Brussels.
But Braems really made a name for himself as a trainer. First at Zottegem, later at Cercle Brugge, Antwerp, Anderlecht, Beveren, Lokeren, Panionios, Standard and Trabzonspor. Braems won the title with Anderlecht in 1974. He made Van Beveren a top team, with two cups and the title in 1984.
It was in Turkey that the status of Urbain Braems became immeasurably great. On the intercession of Jean-Marie Pfaff, who was in goal at Trabzonspor in the late 80s and early 90s, Braems ended up at the club as a trainer.
It was the heyday of Trabzonspor, with a 3rd place in the league and a (lost) cup final against champion Besiktas. After a sabbatical, Braems returned to Trabzon and won the Turkish Cup with his team. Braems and co reached the 1/8th finals in the UEFA cup.
Braems was highly regarded by the supporters and the city. In 2007, he was named an honorary citizen of Trabzon.
Visiting trainer Urbain Braems at Panionios in 1986: “In love with this country”
