Thomas Buffel will be the new coach of Jong Genk next season. With 388 caps, Buffel still tops the list of most games ever for KRC Genk as a former player. As a coach, he later earned his stripes as assistant to Yves Yves Vanderhaeghe at Cercle Brugge and as assistant coach of the Belgian U19 and U23. From the latter group, he now bids farewell to take over the helm at Jong Genk. Buffel signed an open-ended contract.
"As Genk's record holder in terms of number of caps, it goes without saying that Thomas is a purebred Genkie. To maintain continuity at Jong Genk towards the future, that was an important requirement for us in the search for a new coach. As an assistant coach with several national youth teams, he also brings with him a solid backpack of experience in guiding young talents," Stijn Haeldermans, technical coordinator at Jong Genk, summarises the choice for Buffel.
At Jong Genk, Buffel will have a young talented group under his charge. The objective remains the same as in the past two seasons. The development of the players takes precedence over the standings. A vision the former KRC winger is perfectly in tune with.
"When KRC Genk made me the offer to take over the coaching of Jong Genk, I didn't hesitate for a second. As a player, I experienced wonderful moments at this club. Then, at the Belgian Football Federation, I gained a lot of experience in coaching young talents. For that, I would like to thank everyone at the Football Federation. At Jong Genk, I want to continue on that chosen path. The Genk youth academy is full of young talents. I want to further prepare them in the Challenger Pro League so they can then take the step towards the first team," says the brand-new coach of Jong Genk.
Collaboration with Jelle Coen ended
Earlier, KRC Genk decided to bid farewell to Jelle Coen. After maintaining in the Challenger Pro League, it appeared during the preparation for the 2024-2025 season that Racing Genk could not meet Coen's demands. Thereupon, the club decided to end the partnership. KRC Genk wishes Jelle Coen every success in his further coaching career.
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