Trainer Davy Sroka
How did you prepare the match against unknown Ninove?
Sroka: “We inquired about the T2 of champion Eendracht Aalst and there were also contacts with the technical staff of Oostkamp. As a result, we now have a fairly good picture of the team. Their strength lies mainly in the attack with their experienced striker Olivier Romero (139 goals in 169 games for Ninove, ed.).”
How important is home advantage?
“Very important. Before the draw, my biggest hope was that we could finish that first match at home. Fortunately that came true. Who ultimately emerged as the opponent was of less importance. And I say that with all respect for Ninove. Because all opponents are to be feared in the final round.”
© Bart Borgerhoff
Player Jasper Braeken
How much does the absence of strongman Mathisse Dassen weigh?
Braeken: “Of course we will miss Mathisse. He has been in good shape for a whole season and with his rushes down the right he is a weapon. It will also be an adjustment for myself (Braeken plays as the rightmost defender in the three-man defense, ed.) because of the automatisms that exist with Dassen. But we have a broad core and we can also win matches without Mathisse.”
Are studying medicine compatible with playing football at Hasselt?
“For the time being, yes,” says De Herkenaar, who is in his second master’s degree in medicine at the KUL. “Above all, it requires good planning. Sometimes it happens that I have to leave my internship earlier or that I arrive at the club later, but good agreements make good friends.”
© Serge Minten
Chairman Sam Kerkhofs
Are you expecting a lot of people?
Kerkhofs: “Yes. Presales are going smoothly and they are also coming from Ninove to Hasselt with three supporter buses. It is not a risk competition, so we do not work with separate entrances. The match will also be broadcast live via the Go Play app and the Het Belang van Limburg website, with expert commentary from Carl Dircksens (known from De Ideale Wereld and De Container Cup, ed.) and Evert Winkelmans (well-known podcast host, ed. ).”
Is there a party planned if you win?
“I am convinced that if we win, we will take the step to first. Are we officially assured of promotion? Not that either, but the chance is still very high. So if you win, there will still be a small celebration.”
SP. HASSELT: Mathisse Dassen (foot fracture) is out for at least two months. Verburgh has been suspended for one match day due to his red card in Rupel-Boom. Lenaerts and Orye are available. The core: Ghijsens, Braeken, Cauwenberg, Rau, Lenaerts, Van Bommel, Huygen, La Mantia, Kroonen, Vanrafelgem, Orye, Vandebeek, Cuypers, Jacobs, Morgan, Verburgh (?).
PROGRAM: Saturday: 3 p.m.: Jong Cercle-Jong KVM. 8 p.m.: Hasselt-Ninove. Sunday: 3 p.m.: Merelbeke-Jong Essevee, Lyra-Lierse-Rupel-Boom.