Belgium's new torchbearers

Futsal Topsport Antwerpen's presence in the UEFA Futsal Cup this season marks the end of an era - as for the first time Action 21 Charleroi will be absent from the European club competition.

Merger
Charleroi, who lost the first two finals but triumphed in 2004/05 and finished fourth last season, were ever-present in the inaugural six events. However, their seven-year run as Belgian champions was ended by Forcom Antwerpen Elite last summer with a 13-6 aggregate triumph. Fresh from their first title, they merged with ZVC Borgerhout - a side well known for producing young talent - to form the new club entering Europe this season.

First trophy
"We did this to give Antwerp what it deserved," club secretary Chris Peeters said. "This step is to build up something beautiful; not only to take us to the top in Belgium, but also in Europe." It did not take them long to win their first silverware, as with a squad containing nine former Antwerpen Elite players and five from Borgerhout they defeated Charleroi 3-2 to win the Belgian Super Cup after extra time. Player-assistant coach Karim Bachar, 32, was man of the match and 23-year-old Abdellah Idlaasri struck the winner.

European bow
That proved a boost for Nieddu Carmelo, who having been elected coach of the year for his exploits with Antwerpen last season is leading the new club. Now comes the task of emulating Charleroi's superb European achievements as they kick off the Main round on Saturday against Group 4 opponents KMF Municipium Casino Pljevlja of Montenegro before taking on Athina '90 Athens and strong Hungarian hosts Futsal Club Gödöllö.