Anderlecht CEO Kenneth Bornauw Sets Sights on Cup Glory as Playoffs Begin
BRUSSELS – RSC Anderlecht enters the Belgian Pro League Championship Playoffs with a clear objective, according to CEO Kenneth Bornauw: winning the Cup. While a strong finish in the league remains a priority, Bornauw has emphasized that the Cup competition will largely define the club’s season. The comments came as Anderlecht prepares for a challenging playoff campaign, beginning with a match against Club Brugge.
Bornauw’s assessment comes after a period of transition for the club, which saw the departure of Olivier Renard and interim head coach Edward Still in February 2026. The search for a new head coach and sporting director remains ongoing, with Bornauw taking a leading role in the process. He stated on February 9th that finding a new coach was the “most urgent priority,” according to the club’s official website.
Playoff Opener at Brugge: A Familiar Challenge
Anderlecht’s playoff journey begins with a trip to Jan Breydel Stadium to face Club Brugge, a team they previously drew against during the regular season. Bornauw expressed a desire to replicate that result, stating, “If we can start with the same result as in the regular season at Jan Breydel, I’ll take it.” This pragmatic approach highlights the competitive nature of the playoffs and the importance of securing positive results from the outset.
The Belgian Pro League Championship Playoffs involve the top teams from the regular season competing for the league title. The format can be complex for international viewers; the playoffs determine the champion and qualification for European competitions. Anderlecht finished the regular season in a position to compete for the title, but Bornauw acknowledges the need to build momentum for a strong finish.
Cup Competition Takes Center Stage
Despite the importance of the league playoffs, Bornauw has made it clear that the Cup competition is the club’s primary focus. “We aim for to win the Cup and our end of season will depend on what happens there. But we cannot bet everything on that,” he said. This statement underscores the significance of the Cup as a potential pathway to European qualification and a source of silverware for the club.
Anderlecht’s recent results against other top-six teams have provided Bornauw with optimism. He believes the team is capable of more than simply being a participant in the playoffs, hinting at ambitions to challenge for a top spot. However, the Cup remains the defining goal.
Bornauw’s Leadership Through a Difficult Period
Kenneth Bornauw assumed the role of CEO at Anderlecht during a challenging period for the club. Anderlecht-Online reported on March 7, 2026, that Bornauw is currently overseeing the search for a new sporting director and head coach, while also navigating contract extensions for several players. The article highlights his composure and rational approach to decision-making, qualities that are seen as crucial during times of uncertainty.
Insiders at the club emphasize Bornauw’s genuine involvement with the team, noting that his public displays of support are not merely for show. Former staff members describe him as a leader who analyzes situations rationally and avoids being swayed by emotion. This leadership style is expected to be vital as Anderlecht navigates the complexities of the playoffs and the Cup competition.
What’s Next for Anderlecht
Anderlecht’s immediate focus is on the playoff match against Club Brugge. Following that, the team will continue to compete in both the league playoffs and the Cup competition. The club is actively searching for a new head coach, with Bornauw aiming to reach an agreement with a final candidate by the end of the week, as stated on February 9th. The outcome of these searches and the team’s performance on the pitch will determine the trajectory of Anderlecht’s season.
Fans can follow Anderlecht’s progress on the club’s official website, www.rsca.be, for the latest news and updates. The Cup competition promises to be a thrilling ride for Anderlecht supporters, with Kenneth Bornauw setting a clear and ambitious target: bring home the trophy.
