If you asked all the players in the Liga what they most want to achieve this season, you would probably hear the same answer a hundred times:
“Playing the Cup Final in the Afas Dome, in Antwerp’s Sportpaleis. In front of thousands of spectators.”

This ambition even seems to take precedence over winning the Belgian championship. A play-off final is rarely played in front of 10,000 fans. A Cup Final is. Even though nearly five months separate the semi-finals from the Cup Finals, the event remains unique — almost magical — in Antwerp’s sports temple. The long wait only heightens the anticipation. The Cup Final matures like a fine champagne, and on April 11, 2026, the cork can finally pop.

That sense of growth and sparkle also applies to Liese Verhelst, who turned eighteen just last weekend. The young talent suddenly stepped into the spotlight last summer when she impressed at the VNL and the Volleyball World Championship with her fresh, fearless play for the Yellow Tigers. These weren’t steps forward — they were giant leaps.

“You just roll into it, you don’t really think about it,” says the attacker, disarmingly matter-of-fact. “But it was amazing to experience. This weekend, our full focus is on Oudegem and the semi-finals of the Lotto Cup. It marks the start of a tough, three-part Charleroi marathon: a home-and-away Cup tie with a league match in between. Three matches against the same opponent, three times full throttle.”

“Charleroi is known for its passionate fanbase,” Liese adds. “But our supporters also make themselves heard — and definitely seen — in their bright pink outfits. It radiates warmth and passion. I can honestly say I love being here: that enthusiasm makes VC Oudegem a truly authentic club.”

“So far, combining elite sport and university studies is going surprisingly well. I’m studying law at Ghent University via an adapted schedule. That’s the big difference with the Yellow Tigers: last summer, the focus for months was entirely on the national team. At club level, the intensity is different because it’s linked to studying at university. But this week, only Charleroi matters,” smiles the Torhout native from her student room in Ghent.

“After the unexpected loss against Noorderkempen, we mainly want to look ahead positively to our first encounter with the Walloon side,” she continues. “The goals are crystal clear, and the Cup Final is the ultimate target. We still need to process last weekend’s 3–2 loss. We were stronger in every aspect, but we made more errors. Fixing that mentally is our main task in the coming days. It makes the preparation for the Cup match more intense — sharper, more motivating.”

Text: WV
Image: Lotto Volley League