DR Congo forward Nelson Balongo joins Belgian side KFC Houtvenne

Nelson Balongo has completed a move to Belgian third-division club KFC Houtvenne, bringing an end to his spell at fellow league side Belisia Bilzen and opening a new chapter in his career.

Neither club has disclosed the financial details of the transfer, while the length of the agreement has also not been made public. Nevertheless, the move offers Balongo a fresh opportunity as he looks to continue rebuilding his career in Belgian football.

The 27-year-old forward arrives at KFC Houtvenne after spending recent seasons in the lower divisions following his departure from Seraing. Since then, he has continued to pursue regular playing opportunities while working towards a return to a higher level of competition.

Balongo’s career has included spells both in Belgium and abroad. After returning from Poland, where he won the national cup in 2022 during his time in Łódź, the Congolese attacker sought to re-establish himself in the Belgian game.

The former Sint-Truiden player is now focused on regaining his best form and hopes strong performances could eventually create another opportunity to move abroad.

A return to Eastern European football remains one of his long-term ambitions as he seeks to compete at a higher level.

For now, his attention is firmly on helping KFC Houtvenne build on last season’s achievements. The club successfully retained its place in the division after earning promotion and will be looking to consolidate its position during the upcoming campaign.

Balongo developed through the renowned youth academy of Standard Liège before beginning his professional journey. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has helped shape his career and provide valuable knowledge for the challenges ahead.

Last season, he featured in 28 matches for Tienen and Belisia Bilzen, contributing eight goals and three assists. Those numbers reflected his attacking influence and ability to make an impact in the final third.

As he prepares for life at KFC Houtvenne, Balongo will be aiming to improve on those statistics and play a key role for his new club.

The transfer represents a fresh start for the Congolese forward, who remains determined to push his career forward and seize new opportunities in the seasons ahead.