A guide to Vllaznia
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Founded in 1919, Klubi Sportiv Vllaznia Shkodër (KS Vllaznia) will face Sligo Rovers in the Europa League first qualifying round next Thursday and are one of the most successful Albanian football clubs, with nine league titles.
Paul Cook and Co will be visiting the Loro Borici Shkodër stadium, the second biggest in the country, with a capacity of just over 20,000. It was named after the most famous Vllaznia player, and former Albanian captain, Loro Borici who also spent time with Lazio in Serie A during a famous career which spanned the 1940’s and 50’s.
The Kuqeblutë’s most successful decade was the 1970’s when they won three league titles (1972, ’74, ’78) as well as two National Cups (1972 and ’79). However, the Albanian Superliga has evaded them since 2001, where they also added a Super Cup.
The National Cup was added again last year but they went very close to winning their first title in nine years last season, though eventual winners Tirana ended up four points on top at the finish line. That is how they booked their place in the Europa League.
Their home form was vital this campaign, losing just once at the Borici stadium. However, they weren’t as good on the road, losing six and drawing a further three from sixteen away games. Sligo welcome them to the Showgrounds first, so with such a strong home record it may play to the benefit of the Albanians that they welcome the Bit O’Red to their manor in the second leg.
Xhevahir Sukaj is their upcoming star and the 21-year-old striker is also making in-roads on the national stage. Vioresin Sinani is their other international striker, with four caps and he has scored 34 times in 58 games since joining from current champions Tirana. Raf Cretaro will certainly have a difficult job coming up against 28-year-old Elvin Beqiri who has 42 caps for the national side.
Paul Cook and Co will be visiting the Loro Borici Shkodër stadium, the second biggest in the country, with a capacity of just over 20,000. It was named after the most famous Vllaznia player, and former Albanian captain, Loro Borici who also spent time with Lazio in Serie A during a famous career which spanned the 1940’s and 50’s.
The Kuqeblutë’s most successful decade was the 1970’s when they won three league titles (1972, ’74, ’78) as well as two National Cups (1972 and ’79). However, the Albanian Superliga has evaded them since 2001, where they also added a Super Cup.
The National Cup was added again last year but they went very close to winning their first title in nine years last season, though eventual winners Tirana ended up four points on top at the finish line. That is how they booked their place in the Europa League.
Their home form was vital this campaign, losing just once at the Borici stadium. However, they weren’t as good on the road, losing six and drawing a further three from sixteen away games. Sligo welcome them to the Showgrounds first, so with such a strong home record it may play to the benefit of the Albanians that they welcome the Bit O’Red to their manor in the second leg.
Xhevahir Sukaj is their upcoming star and the 21-year-old striker is also making in-roads on the national stage. Vioresin Sinani is their other international striker, with four caps and he has scored 34 times in 58 games since joining from current champions Tirana. Raf Cretaro will certainly have a difficult job coming up against 28-year-old Elvin Beqiri who has 42 caps for the national side.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile