Beveren is poised for a return to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, effectively securing promotion in February after an undefeated run in the Challenger Pro League. With 66 points from 24 matches, the club holds a commanding 15-point lead over second-place KV Kortrijk and a 21-point advantage over Lommel SK, making a championship victory appear increasingly inevitable. The team’s success is largely attributed to the leadership of Dutch manager, Rik De Mil.
De Mil, 34, brings a diverse background to the role, having honed his coaching skills within the Dutch and Belgian football systems. His journey began with youth development roles at the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), followed by positions with Ajax and West Bromwich Albion. In 2018, he transitioned to Belgium, serving as an assistant coach at KSV Roeselare before returning to the Netherlands in 2021.
Back in the Netherlands, De Mil worked alongside Thomas Letsch and Phillip Cocu as an assistant coach at Vitesse. After two years, he returned to the Challenger Pro League, taking charge of Anderlecht’s reserve team. He joined Beveren in the summer of 2024 and is now on the cusp of leading the club back to the top flight of Belgian football. This upcoming season will mark his debut as a head coach in the Jupiler Pro League.
A Return to the Pro League for Beveren
This promotion holds particular significance for Beveren, a club from East Flanders that last competed in the Pro League during the 2020/21 season under the name Waasland-Beveren. The club’s current success represents a resurgence after a period outside the top tier. The team’s dominant performance this season has solidified their position as favorites for the league title, though promotion is already virtually assured.
De Mil’s Coaching Path
Rik De Mil’s path to Beveren demonstrates a commitment to developing young talent and gaining experience across different levels of professional football. His early work with the KNVB focused on nurturing the next generation of Dutch players. His time at Ajax and West Bromwich Albion provided exposure to different coaching philosophies and training methodologies. His return to Belgium with KSV Roeselare marked his first foray into senior coaching, followed by valuable experience assisting established managers at Vitesse.
His subsequent role with Anderlecht’s youth team allowed him to further refine his tactical approach and player development skills before taking the reins at Beveren. The club’s impressive form under his guidance suggests a successful transition to head coaching at the professional level.
Current Challenger Pro League Standings
As of February 22, 2026, the Challenger Pro League standings reflect Beveren’s dominance:
- Beveren: 66 points
- KV Kortrijk: 51 points
- Lommel SK: 45 points
These standings, combined with Beveren’s undefeated record, underscore the team’s strong position in the league. Flashscore.com provides ongoing updates on the league standings and match results.
Looking ahead, Beveren will focus on securing the league title and preparing for the challenges of the Jupiler Pro League. The club’s success under Rik De Mil signals a promising future for the team and its supporters. The upcoming season will be a crucial test as Beveren aims to establish itself as a competitive force in Belgium’s top flight.
What are your thoughts on Beveren’s promotion and the impact of Rik De Mil’s leadership? Share your opinions in the comments below.
