Football Season Guide

Malinwa made history last season. For the first time secured a place in Play-off I. Never dropped lower than 7th place in the standings. Spent 28 of the 30 rounds during the regular season inside the top 6. The hopes to reach Europe didn’t materialise though. Finished last in Play-off I, only goal difference kept them behind KAA Gent in the end. Secured a single win during the 10 play-off matches. The transfer activity so far in the summer has been negative. Lost three important players, none more than main playmaker Servais. His departure is a blow. Experienced Dennis Praet signed to replace him. He is a capable player but doesn’t carry the same attacking threat as Servais. Mrabti leaving weakens the midfield further. This suggests that the injury-plagued for most of last season Dikeni Salifou will play a lot more if he can manage to stay fit. He is a capable player but seems to be getting hurt too often. Up front Dutch duo that arrived only last winter Myron van Brederode and Bouke Boersma should be more productive after a full pre-season of getting to know each other better. Veteran Raman can still decide any given game late on. These days he is mainly used as an impact sub. No major moves in defence, incoming or outgoing, so in that area and on goal the same personnel will be used. Malinwa maintain a solid core of players despite some notable departures. The squad is not stronger and the midfield line might struggle if injuries hit any of the few good inner midfielders.