Seven out of nine in the last three games, after we managed to turn a difficult game at the Jan Breydel Stadium into a draw. The circumstances were not ideal, as our coach saw his 2 defensive backs out due to illness at the last minute, and had to revert to a totally new gameplan.

KVC Westerlo

For once, things could go well in Bruges. Right? The home team had possession, most chances (24 against 8), goal disallowed, ball on the bar and Andreas Jungdal who managed to stop a penalty kick with a broad smile on his face.

Point with that and on to the next four finals.

Who will definitely not be there is Jordan Bos. He has undergone surgery on his hamstrings and will not be in the squad for some time. Luckily for him, his mum has come to Belgium from Australia to look after him.

Otherwise, the (flu) sickbay is completely empty and apart from Alfie Devine, everyone can be deployed again for the clash with Charleroi.

The Zebras are not exactly the favourite opponent of our Kemphians. In the last ten meetings between them, they have won once and drawn once.

Let’s also mention that Luka Vuskovic turns 18 on Monday and who knows, maybe he will get an early birthday present in the form of …

Charleroi

Up and downs: like any team – outside the Top 6 of the standings – the Hainauts also have to contend with them. So in 2025, they only managed one win in six matches, a clear 5-0 against Dender, three 1-1 draws against Beerschot, Cercle Brugge and Gent and defeats against Union 1-2 and Anderlecht 0-1.

Their remaining programme looks just a little more difficult (Westerlo, Genk, Mechelen and Club Brugge), so picking up points at Kuipje will be a clear message from Rik De Mil.

If we have to spotlight one player: Daan Heymans. Our own Kempen son is on his way to one of his best seasons in terms of goal production. His debut as a professional footballer has now been 8.5 years ago, when he was given 20 minutes of playing time by Bob Peeters in the lost game against Lokeren. After Westerlo, he had further passages at Beveren, Lommel and Italian side Venezia before settling down at Charleroi in January 2022. In all those years, he never exceeded 10 goals. This season, his tally stands at 9 +1 in the cup. We know from a good source that Daan will have lol supporters in the stadium for this clash.

Referee

Wim Smet brought us good luck earlier this season in the only game he managed to whistle for our Kemphans this season. KV Kortrijk were then sent home with a dry 4-0, and it would take several weeks afterwards before we could get back on track with a three-peat.

Meanwhile, his tally already stands at 29 encounters with our club, including 11 matches at Kuipje.

The balance here is 7 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats.

Text and statistics: Peter Boons