Noliko MAASEIK, internationals
Belgium swept all of their matches in the first round robin played in Kortrijk with a couple of 3-2 wins against Estonia and the Netherlands. A week later in Tallinn, Estonia, Belgium started out with another 3-2 win over the Dutch guys but then lost to Estonia 1-3 thereby paving the way for the Netherlands to qualify for the final round of the 2013 European Championship. Belgium will have a last chance to make it there via the home and away matches against Greece scheduled for May 2013. Belgium’s Simon Van de Voorde, Kevin Klinkenberg, Mathias Valkers and libero Bert Derkoningen all crossed their ways with their teammate from Noliko MAASEIK, Jelte Maan, who was playing for the Netherlands.
Latvian Hermans Egleskalns – another player of Noliko – performed well anchoring his team to a stellar second place in Pool F at the end of the round robins played in Hungary and in Jelgava, Latvia. France was clearly the strongest side in the group and Latvia will play Turkey next May to make it to the final round.
“I am happy to have all of my players back and fully fit” says Noliko coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “They all got back with impressive records. In a few days we will start our preparations for the first match of the season as we play the Supercup against Euphony ASSE-LENNIK”.
