Belgique’s ex‑Diables staffer heads to Inde with new club

Vital Borkelmans, former assistant to Marc Wilmots with the Belgium national team – the Diables Rouges – has accepted a coaching role in Inde, joining the recently founded FC Forca Kochi as the club looks to build its profile in the Kerala state championship. The 63‑year‑old coach sees the move as a continuation of his globe‑trotting football career.

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From 2012 to 2016, Borkelmans served on the staff of the Diables Rouges under head coach Marc Wilmots, contributing to the Belgian side’s preparations for major tournaments. During that period, the Belgian side qualified for major competitions and Borkelmans was responsible for defensive preparations.

After his four‑year stint, he became the national team manager of Jordan before returning to Belgium to oversee youth development at FC Knokke. His tenure in Jordan lasted one year before he accepted the youth role at Knokke.

Feeling sidelined, Borkelmans voiced his frustration publicly. “I didn’t even get the chance for an interview or to exchange ideas. There is no respect for my career and my work in Belgium and certainly not at Knokke. They don’t want me here.”

In March 2025, Borkelmans moved to Iraq to serve as a consultant for Al‑Zawraa, a first‑division club, a position he held for seven months until October of the same year. His advisory duties included scouting and tactical input for the club’s senior squad.

He will now work in Inde for FC Forca Kochi, a club founded two years ago and owned by actor‑director Prithviraj Sukumaran and his wife Supriya Menon, competing in the Kerala state league. The Club hopes his experience will accelerate its growth.