FCV Dender knew that, going into the final Challenger Pro League game of the season, a win over Francs Borains would be enough to win promotion. The side were certainly not one that many predicted would be up there at this time in the season, but head coach Timmy Simmons has done a remarkable job.
Despite having less possession than the hosts, Dender were able to run out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Ridwana M’Barki and two from Bruny Nsimba. The latter has scored 14 goals to help propel the side into the top flight. Dender will join Beerschot in the Pro League for the 2024/2025 season, ending an absence from the league that goes back to the 2008/2009 season.
This season has been an incredible turnaround for the side. Last year, in their first second tier campaign for almost a decade, they finished 10th with just five wins and 19 points. This season, Simons has led them to 15 wins and 54 points. They only scored 27 goals last season but managed 55 this season.
Many will have them down as relegation favourites for the 2024/2025 Pro League campaign already, but hopefully the fans can enjoy the current promotion and look forward to mixing it with the big boys next season.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
