Football Season Guide

Managed to stay out of trouble despite struggling for wins. OH Leuven had the most draws in the entire top flight – 18 in 40 games – so this was just about enough. They still finished last in Play-off II but once survival was secured the motivation was lost. Coach Coleman left abruptly just a few weeks before the new season begins, so this threw Leuven’s summer in turmoil. At the moment of writing, the Board are yet to find a new manager. Right now Academy coach Tibor Balog is taking care of business. Wide midfielder Casper Terho is the only notable new signing so far. Not likely to make other major moves until they have a manager in place. Terho could help the chance creation and he should be a regular starter. Leuven had the second-weakest attack in the entire league last season, scored just 28 goals during 30 regular-season games. Yet they seem poised to continue and rely on the ineffective in his first year in Belgium youngster Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi up front. The team’s star playmaker Banzuzi was always going to leave this summer. Yet to find a replacement for his important role either. Overall, Leuven’s managerial drama makes them ill-prepared for the start of the season. Things can change a lot once a new head coach is found. After all a large sum was received for Banzuzi, at least some of it is likely to be reinvested in new signings.