After a rather poor showing at Stayen, our Kemphians recovered in Kuipje for the midweek cup match against RWDM, the leader of the Challenger Pro League after all. The game against Dender is again a very important one, especially if you look at the current overall ranking, where the lead of number 5 (AA Gent) is only 4 points over number 14 (Kortrijk). So picking up points is the message.

KVC Westerlo

Against STVV, everyone had the same opinion. This was really the worst game of the season. Our Kemphans could not claim any points, which was actually the very first time this season. Was it because of the artificial turf, or the many absentees in the defensive compartment?

The most important thing was the response against RWDM. Not so obvious when you saw the first results coming in. The leader of the second division could not claim a win in this match. The lucky goal they scored was a deflected ball and other than that, we dominated this match.

We saw some boys stand out, who were given their chance by the coach in this match. For instance, Rubin Seigers, Emir Ortakaya, Sergii Sydorchuk and Muhammed Gumuskaya were at the kick-off for the first time this season and it was only the second starting place for Koen Van Langendonck and Thomas Van Den Keybus, who celebrated their ‘debut’ a few days ago at Stayen. In 2007 (0-0) and 2009 (3-1), we already played Dender once at the Kuipje, and it was Colombian Jaime Ruiz who scored two goals in that match.

For Friday’s selection, we will have to wait and see how the 3 boys from the sickbay will be recovered, notably Sinan Bolat, Thomas Van Den Keybus and Josimar Alcocer. Of course, for our coaching staff, especially Timmy Simons, physical coach Damien and analyst Kenny, it will be a great reunion with those they achieved the ultimate last year: promotion to 1A.

FCV Dender

The promoted side had a fine start to the season. At the head is Vincent Euvrard, who after Hasselt, Geel, Cercle Brugge, OH Leuven, RWDM and Zulte Waregem, had to succeed one Timmy Simons to coach the team this summer. Four wins have been achieved so far, over Gent (1-2) and Beerschot (1-2), at home against Kortrijk (4-1) and Charleroi (1-0). Draws came against Union (0-0), STVV (3-3), Anderlecht (1-1) and Cercle Brugge (0-0). Defeats fell against Club Brugge, Standard, Genk and KV Mechelen. Like us, they played a cup match on Tuesday, against Zulte Waregem, which they lost 2-1.

The axis of the team has remained the same from last season’s success team: the defensive trio still consists of Kobe Cools, Gilles Ruyssen (ex-Westel) and Joedrick Pupe, central midfielders Nathan Rôdes and Lennerd Hens were also there last season, and deep striker Bruny Nsimba also scored fluently (14x) in the Dendert jersey 1 year ago.

Who joined? Goalkeeper Michael Verrips, who secured a fine transfer to Premier League club Sheffield United after his strong season at KV Mechelen (2018-2019), where he featured in 4 games. Mark van Bommel’s son-in-law then featured on the fields of Sittard and Groningen, before making the switch to Dender.

On the flanks, the new names are David Hrncar, who came over from Beveren, and Fabio Ferraro, who was already on the payroll but was mostly a substitute under Simons. In midfield, Czech Roman Kvet and Frenchman Malcolm Viltard joined the ranks.

When do they score most? Especially in the first (25%) and last quarter (31%) they are at their best.

Erik Lambrechts

Against Gent (4-1) and Antwerp (1-2) he was already our referee this season, and Dender also had him in their home match against Club Brugge (1-2). Both teams are therefore looking for their first win with this top referee, this exactly one month ago still on the pitch in Barcelona to referee the Barcelona vs Young Boys match.

Text and statistics: Peter Boons