The kick-off of the Knock-Out Stage of the ETTU Champions League Men is less than two weeks away. The heavyweights, the top eight seeded clubs will enter the arena to face the Group Stage 1 winners and runners-up. Belgium’s TTC Sokah Hoboken will challenge last year’s Final Four contenders, Polish KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów. Last season, Sokah competed only in Group Stage 1, but this time the Belgian side advanced a step further after defeating Austria’s SPG Felbemayr Wels, Czechia’s SKST Havířov, and Croatia’s STK Starr to secure their place among the Round of 16. “The current shape of the team is great after winning recently the most important match of the season in Belgium. Plus, Rémi BÉTELU joining the squad brings fresh and powerful energy to the whole team to give, together, a proper fight to the Polish club,”explained Benjamin BROSSIER. Manager Marc GIJS highlighted the importance of the team’s recent success: “The team is performing well, and the atmosphere is amazing since we beat our big opponent in Belgium, Diest, last Wednesday with 4–2. Diest became seven-time Belgian champion between 2018 and 2024, and Sokah was almost always second. This year Sokah became champion. Diest is playing with CARVALHO, NORDBERG, PLATONOV, VOSTES and KANAMITSU.” When asked if the players are ready for the forthcoming challenge, BROSSIER confirmed briefly: “All are ready to go.” GIJS added: “Everybody is ready and fit to compete: Quentin ROBINOT, Gabrielius CAMARA, Benjamin BROSSIER, Rémi BÉTELU and Olav KOSOLOSKY.” BROSSIER elaborated on their broader vision: “The external goal is simple, to win the championship in Belgium and to go as far as possible in Europe, first in the Champions League! But more importantly, to keep growing together as athletes and human beings.” Manager GIJS further pointed out that Rémi BÉTELU’s addition marks another key step forward: “Rémi joined Sokah to play in Europe with the club.” BROSSIER explained their current domestic position: “We are first in the Championship after beating the second-strongest team in the league. But there is still a long way to go.” Sokah defeated seven-time Belgian champions Diest 4–2 last Wednesday and remains unbeaten in the Belgian Superdivision after six matches. Sokah leads the standings, with Diest following in second place, though twelve matches still remain to be played. Regarding the upcoming clash with KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów, BROSSIER admitted they still have limited knowledge of their opponents: “Our expectation is to give a good show to our supporters and to enjoy the time we spend in the arena. We will study our adversary for sure in the coming days. Our strength is our team spirit.” Manager GIJS underlined the historical importance of Sokah’s progress: “It’s the first time in the club’s history that we’ve reached the last sixteen of the Champions League. Sokah is even the first Belgian club, after the unbeatable Villette Charleroi, to come this far. We’ve already achieved something special and can be proud, representing the city of Antwerp and Belgian table tennis. Every new victory is a bonus, a new step in our history.” He added that despite not being the strongest team on paper, Sokah’s unity and resilience are unmatched: “We maybe don’t have the strongest team, but we have a real team spirit and a fighting spirit. The players never give up and that will be necessary against Orlicz, who is very strong. Last year they reached the Final Four! They are the favourites, but as always, we will do our best.” BROSSIER: “Winning or losing that’s not the point. We expect the whole team to play a key role, as always.” GIJS: “We have experienced players, but I’d like to mention two in particular. First, Rémi BÉTELU he joined with great enthusiasm to play in the Champions League and has made a lot of progress this year. Then there’s Gabrielius CAMARA, the young Dutch champion. He already showed his skills in Novi Sad. Who knows what he can do against Orlicz?” Importance of the competition? BROSSIER: “The Champions League is a great opportunity for us to play high-level matches. The club is looking forward to playing an important role on the European stage.” GIJS: “It’s something extra, something the city of Antwerp, the Flemish capital of sports, is proud of. Last season we gave younger players a chance internationally, but this season we’re fielding our full first team: BROSSIER, ROBINOT, BÉTELU, CAMARA and KOSOLOSKY. We don’t know how far we can go, but we’ll fight and try to reach the limit.” Message to the Fans? BROSSIER: “We don’t need to say much, our fans know what we give at the table, and they’ll be there.” GIJS:“They love this team because of its spirit and fight. They’ll see that again, even though it will be very tough to beat such a strong team as Orlicz. For our fans, it will be a great match, a big opportunity to see some of the best players in Europe.” GIJS concluded: “Our main goal is to enjoy ourselves, give the players the chance to play high-level matches, and do something for the city of Antwerp, for our sponsors, and for Belgian table tennis. We’ll see how far we can go.” Speking of preparation and mindset comparing the Stage 1. BROSSIER: “This stage is very different from Novi Sad in August. Back then, players were not yet at 100%. Now we’re at the peak of the season, and everyone is ready. It will be a great match to watch.” GIJS:“Knowing that we beat Diest last Wednesday, I’m convinced everyone is even more prepared than in Novi Sad. But of course, that guarantees nothing, we’ll see.”