Anderlecht eager to get started

Champions RSC Anderlecht are ready to get down to business with Saturday's Belgian Super Cup match against cup winners SV Zulte Waregem.

Kompany departure
The capital club have a new look for the coming campaign, which will include direct entry to the UEFA Champions League group stage, following the departures of Hannu Tihinen, Vincent Kompany and Christian Wilhelmsson, along with Pär Zetterberg's retirement. Seven signings have come in, including highly rated 21-year-old Mbark Boussoufa from KAA Gent.

Heavy defeat
However, Franky Vercauteren saw his charges lose 4-1 in Wednesday's friendly against Bundesliga newcomers TSV Alemannia Aachen. "That match was not good, but we will draw lessons from it," the coach said, ahead of the weekend contest at Anderlecht's own Constant Vanden Stock stadium. "It was our first off-day and I hope it will be our last. Building a team takes time, and that is something we don't have seeing the season is about to start. The Zulte Waregem game is the end of our preparations and we must not underestimate them. We will be in front of our fans and we have to give them a signal of our intent and a reward for their strong support."

Dury commitment
That Zulte Waregem should not be underestimated is undeniable. Making their top-flight debut in 2005/06, they remained in contention for much of the season before falling away. However, in the cup they never let up and beat R. Standard de Liège in the semi-finals before seeing off R. Excelsior Mouscron to lift the trophy. They too have seen several changes to their squad, but with coach Francky Dury agreeing a new five-year contract, and UEFA Cup football on the agenda for the first time, optimism is high.

'Good football'
"We all have to continue working very hard, because matching last season's results will be very difficult," he said. "For me, the most important thing will be to play good football." Anderlecht, in winning the league by 15 points last term, are the example to follow. With Belgium's most storied club up against the fearless upstarts, it promises to be a super start to the campaign.