Neerpede represented by 9 players in Belgian squads
SUNDAY, 22 MARCH 2026, 09:20 - lajoya
YOUTH At the end of March three Belgian youth national teams will be in action in qualification matches for a European Championship. The federation has just announced the squads for the U19, U18 and U17 teams. Neerpede is represented by nine players.
The U19s (birth-year 2007) travel to the Elite Round of EURO 2026 in the Czech Republic.
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (17:00) Belgium - Denmark
Saturday 28 March 2026 (14:00) Czech Republic - Belgium
Tuesday 31 March 2026 (14:00) Latvia - Belgium
With the departure of boys born in 2007 and 2008 there is a clear generation gap at Neerpede. That is most evident in the U19 selection, which includes only one player from Anderlecht's academy. After Jarne Flies moved to Italy this winter — he had been called up a few times last season — there were hardly any left, especially as only three eligible 2007 players remain at Neerpede. Notably, six selected players partly completed their development at Neerpede, five of whom now play for foreign clubs. Nunzio Engwanda is therefore the sole purple-and-white representative. Many others have an Anderlecht past: Zaid Bafdili, Maël Debondt, Kenny Liema, Joyeux Masanka, Samuel Nibombe and Jakke Van Britsom.
Continue reading below the articleContinue reading The U18s (birth-year 2008) will play in the first qualifying round for EURO U19 2027 in Tubeke.
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (19:00) Belgium - Cyprus (Tubeke)
Saturday 28 March 2026 (19:00) Belgium - Sweden (Tubeke)
Tuesday 31 March 2026 (15:00) Slovenia - Belgium (Tubeke)
Neerpede is not strongly represented in this generation either. Coach Bob Browaeys has previously picked few purple-and-white players, despite their clubs competing in 1B and doing reasonably well. Nathan De Cat, the only Neerpede player who took part in the World Cup, is logically absent now that he has moved up a level. Fortunately Alexander De Ridder and Terry Van de Ven managed to convince the national coach again. It is also notable that two players who left Neerpede during Jean Kindermens' notice period were selected: Mohammed El Afdaoui and Aaron Murenzi.
The U17s (birth-year 2009) head to Serbia for the second qualifying round of EURO 2026.
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (11:00) Belgium - Switzerland (Belgrade)
Saturday 28 March 2026 (17:00) Belgium - Serbia (Pancevo)
Tuesday 31 March 2026 (16:00) Cyprus - Belgium (Belgrade)
Neerpede is well represented in the 2009 national squad: six players were included by Sven Vermant and Guillaume Gillet. Thomas Vervloet, who is working hard to regain his best form after a serious injury, does not travel this time; he is replaced by Noah Kalonji, who receives his first call-up. Selected from Neerpede: Ilyas Benktip, Gabriel Biladi, Noah Kalonji, Jayden Onia-Seke, Mattis Seghers and Rune Verstrepen. Former Neerpede players in the squad are Kiyan Achahbar and Jelle Driessen.
