Four consecutive cup finals. For Decospan Volley Team Menen, the road to Antwerp’s Afas Dome (Sportpaleis) has become almost a ritual. Yet the ultimate reward still eludes them. The border club has grown into a tough, reliable top‑team in Belgian volleyball, but it longs for that one historic trophy.

On Saturday 11 April, another chance awaits — a high‑voltage final against Greenyard Maaseik. A team that narrowly missed the CEV Cup final last Thursday against Lüneburg, but that is flying in the domestic league.

For captain Gilles Vandecaveye, now 30 and the beating heart of the squad, this final carries extra weight. After five loyal seasons, the outside hitter is closing an important chapter. Next year, he leaves the iconic Vauban for a striking move to arch‑rival Knack Roeselare. There, after years of combining elite volleyball with a demanding office job, he will become a full‑time professional for the first time.

But before that new adventure begins, Vandecaveye has one mission left: giving his beloved Menen — the people’s club — the long‑awaited Belgian Cup as a farewell gift.

We meet him just after a preventive chiropractor session. Preparing the body perfectly is essential with the season’s climax approaching. The recent BeNe Conference brought ups and downs, but in the minds of players, staff and supporters, only one thought remains: winning the “Holy Grail” of Belgian volleyball.
A candid conversation about leaving, joining the rival, the danger of overfocus and the unquenchable hunger for silverware.

Gilles, a fourth straight cup final. Is it becoming routine, or does this one feel different because the club still hasn’t won the trophy?
“It’s definitely not routine. I’ve been lucky with finals — this is my third with Menen, and I also won one with Ghent against Aalst in the Sportpaleis. A great memory. But with Menen, we want to win it now. The hunger among the fans is unbelievable.
Reaching the final is nice, but they want the cup. You feel it everywhere: supporters, board, everyone. And honestly: if we don’t do it now, maybe we never will. That feeling is very strong, even stronger than anything related to the play‑offs, especially since we’re already sure of European volleyball.”

This time the opponent isn’t Roeselare but Maaseik. Does that change the dynamic?
“I’m not sure. Roeselare has huge experience in finals, and I know many players there. Maaseik is different. At first I thought that might help us, but they’re in incredible form. Their team chemistry is excellent. Finoli is running the show brilliantly, and young guys like Perin and Meijs are on fire. It will be extremely tough.”

So you see yourselves as underdogs?
“Yes. If I look purely at recent form, I’d say 30–70 for Maaseik. But a final is its own story. Form of the day, adapting to the arena, mental pressure… anything can happen.
Maaseik has several servers who can put massive pressure on us — Perin, Meijs, Fafchamps. Maybe the nerves of a big final can affect them. For us, reception will be key.”

How did you experience the BeNe Conference?
“The idea is good — trying to refresh the competition. But in practice it felt uneven. Orion is strong, the other Dutch teams slightly less. And the pressure is lower because your play‑off position is mostly fixed.
The travel is heavy too — going to Groningen takes a day and a half. That wears you down. But now the focus has completely shifted. Since securing third place among Belgian teams, everything is about the cup final.”

Next season you join Knack Roeselare. How did that move come about?
“Honestly, I didn’t expect it. There had never been contact before. But this time, the timing was perfect. Verhanneman, who brought stability for years, is gone. They needed someone with my profile.
For me, it’s a huge sign of respect. When a club like Roeselare calls, it means they believe you can perform at the highest level.”

You’ll also become a full‑time professional for the first time.
“Yes, and that’s a major reason. I currently work 4/5 as a consultant. It’s tough to combine with top‑level volleyball. I’ll resign and go full pro. That will change everything: more rest, more focus, and hopefully better performance.”

How did Menen’s supporters react?
“It was sensitive, of course. I was nervous about it. It’s a spicy transfer. But they don’t blame me. They’re sad I’m leaving — especially to Roeselare — but they understand. They know it’s a unique opportunity.
The board and coach were disappointed but very respectful.”

How do you prepare mentally for such a final?
“I learned from my beach volleyball coach that overfocus is dangerous. The temptation to do more is huge, but it makes you tense. I try to approach it like any other match, even if that’s hard. Sleep is crucial for me. Even if I sleep badly, I’ll try to stay normal.”

You’re spending the weekend together as a team?
“Yes. We train Friday in the AFAS Dome, stay in a hotel, and do activation Saturday morning. It strengthens the group. Our Austrian middle blocker is back from a thumb injury, so we’ll be complete. We’re building toward the moment together.”

And if you win the cup?
“That would be the dream. For me personally, for this amazing team, and especially for the club, the staff and the fans. Bringing the first cup to Menen… there’s no better farewell gift.”

Article: KH
Picture: Facebookpage Decospan Volley Team Menen