Zulte Waregem secured another friendly win on Saturday 8 July 2026, beating KVV Zelzate 2‑1 in the Belgian First Amateur Division. Marley Aké opened the scoring and Tobias Hedl added the second, giving the club its third pre‑season victory.

How did the match unfold?

The game started with a swift move from Essevee; Aké found the net in the 12th minute, his second goal of the preparation period after scoring against KSV Oudenaarde. Hedl struck in the 34th minute to make it 2‑0. Zelzate reduced the deficit in the 58th minute, but could not find an equaliser. Waregem’s defence held firm despite Zelzate’s attempts to press.

Why does this win matter?

It marks the third consecutive win, following earlier successes over Racing Waregem and KSV Oudenaarde. The results boost confidence ahead of the season opener, where Essevee faces Genk on 9 August at the Elindus Arena. Aké’s and Hedl’s form also suggests the attacking line is clicking.

Who are the upcoming opponents?

The next friendlies are scheduled against Polish side Rakow, Dutch clubs AZ and Sparta Rotterdam, and a reunion match with second‑division Beerschot, where former club legend Jelle Vossen will return. These games allow the manager to test different line‑ups and fine‑tune player fitness.

What does this imply for the league?

Three straight wins put Waregem in a strong mental state for the Jupiler Pro League debut. The team has shown the ability to be compact both offensively and defensively. If Aké and Hedl maintain their form, Waregem could become a serious contender.

The club ends its preparation phase with momentum, ready to welcome fans to the Elindus Arena for the Genk clash. The coming weeks will reveal whether this positive start translates into points in the league.