The first step has been taken. The 2024-2025 season has kicked off in the Planet Group Arena with a resounding 4-1 victory against Víkingur. An ideal opener for Wouter Vrancken and his cronies.
Wouter Vrancken: “We must draw confidence from this result”
Sven Kums: “Nice to start the season with such a victory”
New season – same patron: Sven Kums broke the spell for KAA Gent with a great goal. “It doesn’t happen often that I score”, the midfielder laughed. “It was an important one.” And boy did he. The start was difficult. “That’s right. They played very low and we had a hard time breaking through their defensive belt. On top of that, we conceded an avoidable goal, which of course didn’t help. Fortunately, we remained patient and succeeded with short combinations.”
After the break, the performance was much better and four goals were scored. “Apart from our goal in the first half, we didn’t create many chances, which we more than compensated for in the second half and could actually have scored more. At times, we may have played too slowly, but that wasn’t too bad in general.”
The spoils are certainly in the bag – yes, right? “In football, anything can happen, but we can’t let this get out of our hands.” The Buffaloes can now start the competition with a good feeling. “It is indeed nice to step off the field with such a victory and start the season.” The ambition is certainly clear for the captain. “We want to compete for the highest possible and have a good season.” (RG)
Mathias Delorge: “I hope we will have a good time together”
What an entrance – Mathias Delorge immediately played himself into the hearts of the Ghent public. “Thank you. And that without any training in the legs”, smiled the sympathetic Limburger. “I only signed my contract yesterday afternoon.” It only makes his performance more impressive.
Coach and family friend Wouter Vrancken sent the 19-year-old onto the field with the following blessed words, he revealed: “Enjoy it, I have every confidence in you. Go ahead and play with your qualities.” The audience burst into smiles as the brand new midfielder got the ball. We will have some great times with him was the spontaneous feeling in the arena. “Thank you, thank you. I hope we will have some great times together too,” he said somewhat shyly.
On the pitch, Mathias Delorge is a player with flair, who dares to play football, does not hide and takes charge. “Absolutely, that is also my strength. If I can contribute something to the team, I will not hide. That free kick I took? I asked: ‘Can I?’, and they said: ‘Yes’. That was nice.” The confidence in the youngster is clearly there among his new teammates. “I think so too. I asked for balls and I got them, that was nice.”
It was an introduction in style. The chatterbox was given the microphone to describe himself to the Ghent fans. And is he a defensive, controlling or attacking midfielder or can he do all three? He laughed: “I don’t want to sound too confident, but I could probably do it, yes. I’m someone who reads the game well, has insight, likes to play football, is good at passing and hopes that he can be decisive for the team. I can use both feet, but my left foot is the best.” It already makes the average Buffalo drool.
Young and talented – many clubs were pulling hard on his sleeve, but the son of former Canary Peter Delorge chose Gent with full conviction. “After a conversation with the board, the trainer and with Arnar (Vidarsson, ed.) I had a very positive feeling. For me the most important thing is to play and in Ghent I can do that. Today was already a clear example of that. When you have such a pleasant feeling, the choice is quickly made for me.”
For the youngster, this transfer also means saying goodbye to Hotel Mama. From now on, he can do the laundry and the washing himself. “I’m looking forward to it and I’m really looking forward to it.” Another laugh followed – he’s a cheerful boy. “I’m still living with mom and dad and it’s effectively the first time that I’ll be living on my own. At the moment, I’m still in a hotel in Ghent, but I’m desperately looking for a place to live. I hope to find something as soon as possible to settle down.” Good luck, on and off the field. (RG)
