Igor Vetokele has been appointed Team Manager of the Belgium national team on 26 October 2026. The 34-year-old former striker joins Mark van Bommel's staff with the Red Devils, succeeding Piet Erauw who had held the role for twelve years.

The Belgian FA (URBSFA) confirmed the appointment as the squad prepares for its next away fixture against Türkiye on 12 November. Vetokele, who retired from playing at Lommel last year, was previously working in recruitment and player support at KVC Westerlo. "I am extremely proud to take on this challenge with the Red Devils," he said. "My experience as a player taught me how important it is to have a strong support structure."

A bicultural profile

Born in Angola, Igor Vetokele earned seven senior caps for his native country. He also featured fourteen times for the Belgian U21 side, building valuable dual footballing experience. His playing career took him from the Belgian league, notably at Westerlo, to Denmark and then England, with loan spells at Zulte Waregem and STVV.

His task will be to optimise the day-to-day environment for the squad, a key role following a patchy run of form. The Red Devils' last four results show two wins and two defeats, including a heavy 4-1 loss in France on 5 October. The upcoming fixtures schedule highlights the return match against the Turks, after a 3-0 win in October, as the next immediate target.

The team will need to improve its concentration in the second half. Data shows the Red Devils have conceded 5 of their last 7 goals against between the 46th and 75th minute of play, accounting for over 71% of their goals conceded in that period. Their next challenge will be to maintain their performance for the full duration of the match, after managing to score 3 goals in just 15 minutes during their last victorious outing.

"I am therefore looking forward to providing the best possible support to the players and staff, and contributing to the national team's success," added the new Team Manager, who is also studying sports law. His arrival completes a refreshed backroom team following Erauw's departure, which was announced in August. The national side will resume training ahead of the key encounter in Istanbul.

Read the full report at DHnet