In the early 1980s, K.R.C. Genk was in a phase of growth and development. The club, which was still playing in the second division in 1980, had the potential to excel but first needed to take some significant steps. With the appointment of coach Hugo Broos in 1982, the club began to shape its vision for a more competitive team.

Under Broos' leadership, the club experienced a revival in performance. The team featured several promising players, including young striker Eric Van Meir, who made his mark on Genk's play. The club started to harness the power of its youth academy, resulting in a new generation of talented players that would lay the foundation for future successes.

In 1983, K.R.C. Genk made the leap to the top tier. This was a milestone for the club, finally claiming its spot at the highest level of Belgian football. The fans, who had waited years for this moment, cheered the players on in the stadium, which was now filled with hope and expectations.

However, the club was not without its challenges. It was a learning year in the top division, but Genk's determination made an impression. By 1985, after a few seasons of struggle, K.R.C. Genk began to establish itself as a reliable force in the Belgian league. This was underscored by their performances in the Belgian Cup, where they advanced far in the tournament, further instilling confidence in the club's ambitions.

The 1980s were not only a time of competition but also of identity. The club began developing its own style, characterized by attacking play and a strong team spirit. The loyal supporters began to identify with this new approach to the game, and the nickname "De Smurfen" began to find its origins during this time, with the club's blue and white colors becoming a symbol of pride.

K.R.C. Genk's rise in the 1980s can be seen as the foundation that made the club's later successes possible. The experiences gained and lessons learned during these crucial years would help the club evolve into one of the top teams in Belgium. It was a time of hope, growth, and a strong basis for what lay ahead. The club would soon evolve into one of the most successful teams in the Belgian league, but it all started in this important period.