Sporting Lokeren-Temse has officially announced the extension of head coach Stijn Vreven's contract until June 30, 2026. The announcement, made on March 29, 2025, comes as a significant boost for the club and its supporters, especially with an important match against Lommel looming.
Vreven, who took over the managerial role from Hans Cornelis in February 2025, has made an impressive impact in his short tenure. Under his guidance, the team has achieved remarkable results, winning four out of five matches. This strong performance has mathematically secured Lokeren-Temse's place in the Challenger Pro League with four match days remaining.
The club expressed full confidence in Vreven's abilities, stating, "The entire club leadership is convinced that extending the collaboration is the right choice." This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding the team's prospects as they look ahead to the next season.
Vreven's coaching journey has seen him manage several clubs, including Lommel, Waasland-Beveren, NAC Breda, Beerschot Wilrijk, AS Trencin in Slovakia, KV Oostende, and Panevezys in Lithuania. His experience is expected to be invaluable as Lokeren-Temse prepares for the upcoming season.
Before his return to Lokeren, Vreven had previously coached KSC Lokeren, leading the team until its unfortunate demise in the spring of 2020. The current iteration of Lokeren-Temse has risen from those ashes, and the club's leadership believes that Vreven's familiarity with the club’s history and challenges will aid in their continued success.
As the team gears up for their next match against Lommel, scheduled for March 30, 2025, Vreven's leadership will be put to the test. The players are eager to build on their recent successes and secure another victory in front of their home crowd.
Vreven himself is looking forward to the future, stating, "I am excited to start a preparation season with our club." His commitment to the team and its goals is evident, and fans are hopeful that his vision will lead to further achievements.
In the wake of securing their league status, attention now turns to potential roster changes and the future of players like Radja Nainggolan, who has also made a positive impression during his time at the club. Speculation about Nainggolan's future adds another layer of intrigue as Lokeren-Temse navigates the off-season.
The extension of Vreven's contract signals a commitment to stability and growth within the club. As they look to build on their recent successes, the leadership at Lokeren-Temse is optimistic that Vreven's experience and tactical acumen will guide them through the challenges ahead.
With the season winding down, the focus now shifts to how the team will prepare for the next campaign. The upcoming match against Lommel will not only serve as a chance to celebrate Vreven's contract extension but also as an opportunity for the players to showcase their development under his guidance.
As Sporting Lokeren-Temse continues to build momentum, fans are eager to see how the team will perform in the final stretch of the season. The atmosphere surrounding the club is one of hope and excitement, and with Vreven at the helm, the future looks bright.
