Belisia Bilzen Parts Ways with Aka Etien and Tim Jeunen
Bilzen, Belgium – March 1, 2026 – In a surprising turn of events, Belisia SV has announced the immediate departure of players Aka Etien and Tim Jeunen. The decision, made after “long-term consultation,” stems from what the club describes as “a number of side issues” that conflicted with the club’s ethical standards, according to Sportactua.be and Het Belang van Limburg.
The news, reported on February 27, 2026, has understandably disrupted preparations for Belisia’s upcoming match against Hoogstraten. Sportief directeur Raf Kerkhofs emphasized the difficulty of the decision, stating the club prioritizes its ethical standing. “Sometimes you reach a point where you can no longer overlook certain things,” Kerkhofs said, acknowledging the contributions both players made to the team.
Disciplinary Reasons Cited for Sudden Departures
While the club has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, reports indicate the separation is due to disciplinary reasons. Both Etien and Jeunen expressed their disappointment with the decision, but refrained from publicly criticizing the club. “Belisia is a beautiful club where we had a great time,” they reportedly stated, as reported by Dekrantenkoppen.be.
The timing of the dismissals is particularly notable, coming as Belisia prepares to face Hoogstraten. Assistant coach Bart Thierie acknowledged the impact on the team, but also affirmed support for the club’s decision. “As a coaching staff, you naturally rely on players like Aka and Tim,” Thierie explained. “However, we also recognize the measure taken by the club. The events that have transpired do not align with the ethics of this correct club.”
Impact on the Squad and Upcoming Match
The loss of Etien and Jeunen represents a sporting setback for Belisia. Etien, a 32-year-old midfielder, has been a consistent presence in the squad, appearing in 90 minutes of play in his most recent match, according to data from Flashscore.ca. Jeunen, at 36, has also been a regular contributor, playing 66 minutes in his last appearance. Both players bring experience and skill to the midfield, and their absence will be felt.
The immediate aftermath of the announcement saw Belisia suffer a 5-0 defeat against Hoogstraten, a result that further underscores the disruption caused by the player departures, as reported by HBVL. This loss came after a recent match where Hoogstraten’s player scored a remarkable goal from his own half, as highlighted by Nieuwsblad.
Player Profiles and Recent Performance
Aka Etien, whose full name is Kevin Aka Etien, has been a key figure for Belisia. Tim Jeunen, a central midfielder, also played a significant role, even contributing with two goals in a previous match against, as reported by Het Belang van Limburg. Flashscore.ca provides detailed player statistics, showing Jeunen’s recent playing time, and contributions.
The club’s roster, as detailed on Transfermarkt, includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The departure of Etien and Jeunen leaves a void in the midfield that will need to be filled. The team will be looking to other players, such as Jordi Maus and Tiemen Wijnen, to step up and provide stability in the upcoming matches.
Broader Context: Recent Club Developments
This situation unfolds amidst other recent developments at Belisia Bilzen. The club recently experienced the departure of what was described as their “best defender,” further adding to the challenges facing the team. There have been reports of issues with a goalkeeper, signaling a period of instability for the club. These events collectively highlight the need for Belisia to address internal issues and regain stability both on and off the field.
The club’s commitment to maintaining a high ethical standard, as emphasized by Raf Kerkhofs, is a defining characteristic. However, the recent events demonstrate the difficulty of upholding these standards in the face of challenging circumstances. The club’s response will be closely watched by fans and observers alike.
What’s Next for Belisia Bilzen?
Belisia will need to quickly regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures. The immediate priority will be to address the gaps in the squad left by the departures of Etien and Jeunen. The team’s next challenge will be to find a way to bounce back from the recent defeat against Hoogstraten and regain their momentum in the league. The club has not yet announced any potential replacements for the departed players.
Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments by following the club’s official channels and checking reliable sports news sources. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial as they look to navigate this challenging period and maintain their position in the league.
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