The calm of holiday Monday on the grounds of Independent in Villa Dominico was shaken with sad news: Alejandro Estanislao Semenewicz, better known as the Polaco and glory of the club, He died this Monday after suffering cardiac arrest on the property where he worked daily within the catchment area.
The former soccer player decompensated and was quickly treated by Dr. Enrique Prada, while two ambulances arrived immediately, but they could not revive him. At the time of his death, he was with Francisco Pedro Manuel ‘Pancho’ Sá. As a result of this, both First Division, Reserve and Youth training were suspended.
You left us four Libertadores, two Metropolitans, three Inter-Americans and one Intercontinental. You were part of a glorious decade for the King of Cups and until the last moment you lived for and for Independiente. The red people will be eternally grateful to you.
See you always… pic.twitter.com/31RyE7LnmV
— CA Independent (@Independiente) April 1, 2024
The ‘Polaco’ will be held at the club’s headquarters, on Miter Avenue in Avellaneda, this Monday between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
From the change of surname to ‘red’ glory
His original surname was Semianiovich and this is how it appeared in the summaries that were published in the newspapers of the time, when he played in Deportivo Morón, where he achieved promotion to the First Division and also left a pleasant memory during his 120 appearances (one goal). Then, when he moved to Independiente, he changed his last name by which he became known in Rojo.
In Avellaneda, Semenewicz obtained four Copa Libertadores (1972, 1973, 1974, 1975)two Metropolitan tournaments (1970 y 1971)three Inter-American (1973, 1974 y 1976) and an Intercontinental, the one on November 28, 1973 with the only start against Juventus, at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. The Pole entered at the end to replace Daniel Bertoni.
In Independiente, he totaled 265 games, with five goals, while he also wore the Argentine National Team shirt for nine games in 1972.
“Firm and confident on the mark, he favored combativeness although many times, due to his good touch and anticipation, he played as a midfielder”described it a few years ago by the Olé Sports Newspaper Guide.
He also had a stint at Atlético Cipolletti, from Río Negro, while as a coach he served at Deportivo Morón (1982-83), Villa Dálmine (1990-93) and Godoy Cruz de Mendoza (1997/98).