Haasrode Leuven reaches the semi-finals of the Belgian Cup for the second year in a row.
It sounds like music to the ears of an experienced player like Matthias Valkiers, but there’s no time to dwell on past achievements. After a year in which the Louvain team, much to their disappointment, had to bow out in the golden set against that same Menen last season, the focus this season is clear: winning. The big dream? The final at the Sportpaleis.

We hesitated before deciding on the angle for this report. Who should we interview? Coach Hendrik Tuerlinckx seemed an obvious choice, having strung together multiple cup victories during his time with Roeselare—eight in total, six of them consecutive. Who can rival that? Well, 34-year-old Valkiers comes close, having won his first cup with Maaseik in 2012, followed by titles with Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki in 2018 and German team Frankfurt in 2021.

The ever-approachable and well-read setter—Valkiers is still juggling training in Leuven with his chemistry studies at UCLL—is determined to put his experience to use in what is, for him and for Haasrode Leuven as a whole, a golden opportunity. A chance to reach a final that Louvain hasn’t seen since 1975, when Red Star Leuven defeated Maasmechelen 3-2. A chance, too, for the club to cement its aura as an ambitious and increasingly professional organization.

This is the second year in a row that VHL has reached the semi-finals of the cup. Last season, you fell just two points short in the golden set (13-15) against Menen. Does that disappointment still linger?

Matthias Valkiers: “That loss was indeed bitter. We came so close but ultimately let it slip away. Menen might have been just a bit cooler in those decisive moments, and the referee’s decisions also played a role, but that’s behind us now. Referees are only human, after all, and luckily, we can now request a video challenge this season—it’s a relief. Moreover, we’re stronger now thanks to the additional experience we gained last season. After beating Achel, we know we can perform under pressure; now we just need to take that final step.”

Menen is once again your opponent in the semi-finals. Are you more eager than ever to get your revenge?

“We always need to stay motivated. Look, this year we have a stronger team, with new faces adding a lot of quality. Menen may no longer have the red-hot form they showed at the start of the season, but they remain a tough opponent. They’re well-organized and play with a lot of fighting spirit.”

At 34 years old, you’ve already had a rich career. Your experience and leadership will undoubtedly come in handy, as you’ve won the cup three times: most recently with Frankfurt, with PAOK, and your first with Maaseik in 2012. What do you remember about that celebration?

“I’m not exactly young anymore, but I still feel fit and motivated, and I’ve learned over my career just how important experience is in these kinds of matches. The feeling of winning a trophy, especially that cup with Maaseik, is, of course, unforgettable. What do I remember? It was still held at the Lotto Arena, and our coach, Vital Heynen, barely let us celebrate because we also had Champions League matches coming up (laughs). I also remember Pieter Verhees twisting his ankle after landing on me. I was 21, a young substitute for Dutch international Yannick Van Harskamp, but I got quite a bit of playing time in the final against Asse-Lennik. Together with our coach, I know how special it is to reach such a moment. I try to pass that experience on to my teammates. This isn’t an opportunity that comes around often.”

Speaking of opportunities, do you still see a future with the national team? In our humble opinion, you still belong in the Red Dragons squad. Or is that chapter closed for good?

“It’s always an honor to play for the national team, even though I feel like I’ve had my share. I’ve never said I wouldn’t be available anymore, but I haven’t gotten a call in the past two summers.”

Interesting! What if head coach Emanuele Zanini were to call you soon?

“I’d definitely be open to his offer, but we’d need to have a good conversation first. So I wouldn’t immediately say ‘yes,’ but also not ‘no.’ We’d need to be on the same page because I still have ambition—just as I do here at Haasrode Leuven, where I want to help build the club for at least another season.”

Reaching the cup final would be another significant step forward in that respect.

“Absolutely. Although we know that if we make it to the final and face Roeselare, our chances of winning will be very slim. But look at what it’s done for Menen: they get to participate in the tournament with the Dutch champion and cup winner at the end of the year. It’s definitely a huge motivation for the team. Everyone at Haasrode Leuven wants to be there. It’s a goal we’ve been pursuing for a long time, and this is the year we can achieve it. We need to stay focused on the semi-final, but we all know what we’re playing for: the final at the Sportpaleis.”

How do you personally prepare for such a crucial match?

“My focus is on staying calm and paying attention to details. As a setter, I need to ensure a good connection with my hitters, which also means exuding confidence. I take it match by match, but I won’t do anything differently than usual. The pressure shouldn’t paralyze us; instead, we need to play with joy.”

What’s the atmosphere like in the group in the days leading up to the match?

“The focus is definitely there, and having Hendrik as a coach, who’s fully dedicated, helps us move forward. Menen will be a tough nut to crack. They’re always mentally sharp and put a lot of pressure on with their serves. But I know our strengths. We have a deep squad with players capable of performing at the top level. If we minimize our errors and serve well, we definitely have a chance. We all feel that this is a crucial moment in our season. Reaching the cup final wouldn’t just be a boost for the team but also for the entire club. Everyone is fit, and there’s tremendous drive in the group. Now it’s time to show it on the court.”

Text: Kenny Hennens
Photos: Hans Floré