It’s the kind of storyline every volleyball family dreams of — or secretly dreads. Two brothers, raised in the same backyard, trained in the same club, inspired by the same grandfather, now facing each other as opponents on the opening day of the Lotto Volley League.

Kobe plays for Volley Haasrode Leuven, Matis for Lindemans Aalst. Grandsons of Belgian volleyball legend Fernand Walder, who represented Belgium at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico, they’ll write their own chapter this Wednesday night. No more family games on the lawn — this time, it’s a packed Schotte sports complex and full stakes.

What makes this matchup more than just a family story? The context. Kobe returns from the Philippines after a World Championship summer with the Red Dragons — full of lessons and memorable moments, but with less court time than hoped.
Matis chose his own path at Aalst, took a major step forward last season alongside Bert Dufraing, and now aims to secure the role of starting libero. Leuven focuses on continuity and European ambitions, while Aalst went through a youthful rebuild — dynamic, fiery, and loaded with serving power.

“It’s special to face my brother”
Kobe Verwimp: “It definitely feels special. We’ve faced each other before in training or youth games, but this is different — it’s professional, with pressure, fans, and stakes. We had a solid preparation with some tough friendlies. The team spirit is great, and everyone knows their role. We’re ready to go.”
“Playing my former club adds emotion”

Matis Verwimp: “Of course it’s emotional. I learned to play at Haasrode Leuven, and I still know many people there. But once that first serve goes up, it all fades. Our team at Aalst is young — our oldest player is only 25 — but we’re powerful and aggressive from the service line. The preseason went really well, which gives us confidence.”

Kobe, you just returned from Worlds in the Philippines. How do you look back?
Kobe: “With mixed feelings, but mostly pride. I didn’t play as much as I’d hoped, but the experience was priceless. The level, the atmosphere, the intensity — it elevates you as a player. Beating Italy was historic. That match point… it stays with you. It motivates me to work harder.”

You were the second libero behind Gorik Lantsoght — how did you handle that?
Kobe: “It was clear early on that Gorik would start. You have to be realistic. I focused on helping in other ways, staying ready. In top-level sport, you also learn to handle disappointment. But I still enjoyed every moment.”

Leuven added Prévert, Ponsin and Olalla. How’s the group?
Kobe: “Similar to last year but deeper. Gildas Prévert brings calm and defensive balance. Arsène Ponsin is technically solid and explosive, while Adrián Olalla adds raw attacking power. The chemistry is excellent — it feels like a real team.”

What are your ambitions?
Kobe: “Coach Hendrik Tuerlinckx said it clearly: we want back in the Champions League. Roeselare remains the benchmark, but we aim to be a consistent top-2 team and make an impact in Europe.”

Matis, you grew a lot last season. What’s next?
Matis: “Last season was a turning point. Around December I started six matches in a row — that’s when I knew I belonged. Coach Frank Depestele gave me confidence, which is huge for a young libero. This year I want to confirm that role. I learned a lot from Bert Dufraing — consistency above all.”

Aalst has completely changed. What can fans expect?
Matis: “Yes, I’m the only one left from last year (laughs). We’re young, fast and fearless. Henry Rempel, our Canadian, dominated in the Czech league; our American outside, Gianni Camden, serves bombs; Nuno Marques comes from a strong World Championship; and Beau Wortelboer has a wicked float serve. We’re ambitious — the club openly talks about trophies, and that drives us.”

You’ve already faced each other in friendlies. How is that?
Kobe: “We tease each other — but in a good way. I’m a bit superstitious, so I only talk after the match (laughs).”
Matis: “We won once in Leuven, drew once at home, but that doesn’t count anymore. Wednesday is for real. Then he’s just an opponent.”

Does the family talk a lot of volleyball?
Matis: “It’s hard to avoid, especially when grandpa’s around (laughs).”
Kobe: “He watches almost every Leuven game. Always curious, always supportive. He’s still an inspiration.”

What makes the difference between a good and a great libero?
Matis: “A good libero defends well. A great one makes his team better.”
Kobe: “Exactly. You can be technically perfect, but if you’re silent, you lose impact. The best libero’s lead vocally.”

The Verwimp Brothers – quickfire round
Best at shouting: Kobe
Worst loser: Both
Biggest celebrator: Kobe
Most tactical mind: Both (“we’re volleyball nerds”)
Worst morning mood: Kobe (“don’t talk before coffee”)

Text: KH
Photo: Lotto Volley League, CEV