KF Tirana

KF Tirana (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana, in English Football club Tirana) is the most successful Albanian football club earning 47 major trophies in the country and is branch of Multiple Sport Klub of Tirana (Football Men's). KF Tirana is the most popular football club in the country with a considerable number of supporters. KF Tirana team plays its home games in the capital of Albania, Tirana, at the Selman Stërmasi stadium or at the Qemal Stafa stadium. The club was founded on August 16, 1920 under the name of "Agimi Sports Association". In 1927 the club was renamed to SK Tirana (Albanian: Sportklub Tirana), in 1947, to "17 Nëntori Tirana", from 1952 to 1956 to "Puna Tirana", and in 1991 the club was renamed KF Tirana. Tirana won its first title of Albanian champions in the first Albanian Football Championship. KF Tirana is also the only club in Albania to have played all the championships of the Albanian Superliga since 1930 and all the Albanian Cups started in 1938. Additionally, white and blues are the most successful albanian club in Europe having passed 10 times the first round along their 45-year history. The club participated in an European Cup competition in 1965–66 for the first time. KF Tirana has been appointed an ECA member.^[3] The club also has women's football team called Tirana AS who are the winners of the first two official organised events held so far in Albania. They also have a futsal called Futsal Klub Tirana who have won the Albanian Mini-Football Championship 5 times out of a possible 8, and they have competed in the UEFA Futsal Cup in five occasions.

History

1920s

On August 16, 1920, Albanian patriot P. Nika altogether with A. Erebara, P. Jakova, A. Hoxha, A. Koja, P. Berisha, A. Zajmi, H. Fortuzi, B. Pazari, L. Berisha, S. Frasheri, H. Alizoti, A. Gjitomi and V. Fekeci founded the "Agimi Sports Association". The association's favourite sport was football. In October of that same year the newly founded team played the first match against "Juventus" Shkodra. In 1925 the association's governing council was elected. Its members were A. Zajmi, S. Stermasi, B. Toptani, I. Gjinali and A. Koja. The team also played its first international match against the Montenegrin team "Crnagorec" Cetinje the same year. In 1927 on the initiative of Mr S. Stermasi, Mr A. Erebara, Mr A. Zajmi and Mr A. Koja, "Agimi" changed its name to Sportklub Tirana (SK Tirana). During the period 1927–1930 SK Tirana played many friendly matches against other Albanian teams.^[4]

1930s and World War 2

The onset of the Albanian national football championship was on April 6, 1930. At the end of the first championship the white-and-blue team finished at the leading position, thus becoming the first Albanian champions. Later on they won the championship six times out of seven during the pre-World War 2 period, convincingly dominating the Albanian football scene. SK Tirana were the first Albanian football team to introduce the permanent role of a regular coach and also the first to secure the services of a foreign coach, the Hungarian Samo Singer, in 1934. From 1930 to 1944 Tirana won eight national championships (out of 10 organized by the FSHF during that period), however two of them, the "two war championships", are still not recognized by the FSHF. To this date there has never been an official position from FSHF as to why these two championships are not recognized by its own organizer.^[5][6]

1944–1957

After the war, KF Tirana made a good start reaching the second spot in 1945, after losing to Vllaznia Shkodër in the final. But soon the club would become a victim of the reigning communist regime in Albania. At the beginning of March 1946, at the "Nacional" movie theater in Tirana, as a result of instructions coming from the communist politburo, KF Tirana was forced to change its name to "17 Nentori". The club was thus denied its own name. The following decade would unroll in the same suffocating atmosphere, becoming even heavier after the foundation of two system-privileged teams that would follow the experiences of their sisters in the former USSR, former Yugoslavia, and the other eastern European countries: Partizani, the Defense Ministry team and Dinamo, the Internal Affairs Ministry team. Dozens of Tirana’s talented players were "convinced" to play during those years in either Partizani or Dinamo. As a result "17 Nentori" struggled to stay at the top during the years 1947–1957, however the team managed to gain some of the lost groung during the second part of the 50's after replacing in part some of the first choice players of its line up.

1958–1970

From 1958 to 1964 Tirana kept on producing some good football and finishing the championship almost always at the third spot. These years were a prelude to what was about to happen later: Tirana reexperienced its pre-war glory spell under the services of the unforgettable coach Lym (Myslym) Alla. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title. The team repeated the success the year after, but this was an obvious challenge to Partizani's generals and Dinamo's secret service bosses. After having practically won the 1966–1967 title three matches in advance, Tirana was banned from the competition and the title was assigned to Dinamo. After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–1970 season.

1970s and 1980s

During the seventies Tirana struggled hard to stay at the top, the best result being the second place and the worst the thirteenth. Yet the club won the national cup twice. The generation of older players came to the end pf their careers and this could only mark the end of a highly successful era. However the unsuccessful spell would not last long this time. Tirana won the championship at the end of the 1981–1982 season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in 1984–1985, 1987–1988, and 1988–1989 and the Albanian Cup in 1983, 1984, and 1986. The club was also successful in the European club competitions and many of the team players made up the core of the best Albania the country had ever had.

1990s and 2000s

During the first half of the nineties KF Tirana (which in August 1991 regained its old name), likewise the whole Albanian society, went through a period of profound changes. Almost all the best Albanian players left the country and went abroad looking for a richer team who could hire them. But it seems that the club simply could not stand being too long from the leading spots. Thus at the end of the 1994–1995 season, KF Tirana once again won the championship five matches in advance with 12 points ahead of the second placed team. During the recent years Tirana has dominated the Albanian football by winning 10 out of the last 15 Albania's championships.

KF Tirana in Europe

In addition to being the best team in all domestic competitions, KF Tirana have also given the best performances in Europe among Albanian teams. Although Tirana have passed 10 times the first European round, they have never gone further than that. In their european path, Tirana have played against "big guns" such as: AFC Ajax, FC Bayern Munich, AC Milan, etc. Drawn against reputable teams such as: FC Dinamo Bucuresti, Ferencvárosi TC, PFC CSKA Sofia, Stabaek IF, FC Utrecht, NK Dinamo Zagreb, IFK Goteborg, Malmo FF, Standard Liege, etc. In several occasions, respectable European names such as: FC Dinamo Bucuresti, FC Dinamo Tbilisi, ND Gorica, NK Varteks, etc have been eliminated from white and blues.

The best squad to compete in Europe was that of season 2004/05. After having easily passed FC Gomel of Belarus in the first round, Tirana played against Ferencvárosi TC in the second round. Having lost the first leg at home 2–3, KF Tirana produced fantastic football in Budapest and was leading 1–0, after which the team missed a penalty and the ball hit woodwork twice, but they just could not score the qualifying goal and therefore were eliminated with a 3–3 on aggregate.

KF Tirana Friendly Match for social initiative

KF Tirana vs AC Milan On the 14th October 2008, KF Tirana and AC Milan took part, for the first time ever, in the "Taci Oil Albania Reads" project in Tirana. This new initiative had the goal to raise funds for the construction of new and modern libraries across Albania, a project launched by UNICEF. The proceeds of this event, sponsored by Taci Oil helped to create 100 new libraries in Albanian schools, whilst also driving forward the improvement in learning, teaching and reading standards in schools. KF Tirana won the match 2–1.^[7]

Recent seasons and the present

Even though KF Tirana dominated through the last 20 years, the last three recent seasons displayed instability. Despite the fact that most of the key players remained in the team, other factors affected negatively the presentation, not only in the domestic league, but also the international appearances. KF Tirana's last solid dominating season was the one 2006/07, when the title was easily achieved. However,since the team failure in Champions League qualifications (two losses against Slovenians of NK Domzale) which interrupted the chain of successes in first leg's European league matches, KF Tirana started an unexplainable downfall. The season 2007/08 found them in 6-th spot, an unusual position for this team for last 18 years.

Although Tirana won the title in 2008/09, it was a glowless season. The problems started again in 2009/10 where the club just couldn't be a match for champions KS Dinamo in Superior League and were eliminated early in the Cup from KS Besa.

The only consolation of another failed season was the achievement of Europa League first qualifying round participation. Having a coefficient of 1.799 KF Tirana ranked among seeded teams on the first round. The draw goggles in Nyon revealed Zalaegerszegi TE as first round opponent. Having drawn goalless at the first leg in home soil, KF Tirana won their second away match 1–0 in 107' of extra time via a marvellous free kick from Erindo Karabeci and KF Tirana qualified with a scoreline 1–0 in aggregates. The following round gave Tirana a much tougher opponent, FC Utrecht. The Dutch team beat the white and blues 4–0 in the first away leg, as the second leg ended 1–1 draw.Thus KF Tirana were eliminated with a 1–5 aggregate scoreline, focusing the attention in the incoming Domestic League.

White and blues yet again didn't make a good start of the 2010/2011 Domestic League, due to some controversies between the president and club chief, as well as unexplainable delays in paying players salaries, which had a negative impact in the team. As result, previous KF Tirana coach Sulejman Starova was sacked and replaced with 8 times legendary champion, Nevil Dede. The continuous unpleasant results caused Tirana presidency to finally sack coach Nevil Dede and replace him with croatian Mišo Krstičević changing coaches thrice in one season. Contrary to the League, KF Tirana did very well in the Cup winning against Dinamo Tirana by penalties 4:3, as regular and extra time finished in a 1–1 draw, earning also the participation in Europa League for second time in a row.

Nonotheless, late preparations, late new players arrivals, even late new coach appointment gave the negative effects either in team consolidation, or poor performance in Europa League. Starting from 2-nd qualifying round, having drawn goalless first match home, Tirana suffered a 1-3 away loss against slovakian opponent FC Spartak Trnava and were therefore knocked out early from the competition.

The new 2011/2012 season started very well for now a consolidated Tirana. They added another trophy in their wealthy palmares, the 9-th Albanian Supercup by winning the final match against defending champions KF Skënderbeu Korçë in their own soil, with a single goal of Bekim Bala. White and blues finished the first part of current season in the 2nd place, 5 points below leaders KS Teuta even though outstanding spanish coach Julián Rubio had to re-create the squad twice, due to players who left the club late summer. Additionally, Tirana players had to outface a temporary financial kink, caused from the latter club transformation to sh.a.

October,12-th,2011 was another key event for club's future. The Municipality Council voted with unanimous consent the transformation of KF Tirana status to a shareholders association. Municipality of Tirana will initially hold 100% of shares, however future private sponsors or donors approaches to share stock will be welcome.^[8]

Stadiums

The home ground of KF Tirana is Selman Stermasi stadium which is shared with city rivals Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, most derby and significant matches are played at the national team's Qemal Stafa stadium, the stadium is also used if the Selman Stermasi Stadium is unavailable as it is used by three different teams. The club has expressed it's desire to rebuild the current Selman Stermasi Stadium into a modern complex with around 15,000 to 20,000 season. They want it to be Albania's first modern post Communism stadium without an athletic track around the field, which they hope will provide more atmosphere and attract more fans. However has not yet been decided when this will be built but it is rumoured to be the club's 100th anniversary present in 2020.^[9]

Selman Stërmasi Stadium

KF Tirana plays most of its official and friendly games at the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The Selman Stermasi Stadium was built in 1956 and was previously named the 'Dinamo' Stadium till 1991 when it was permanently given its new name. The Football Association of Albania and the club decided to name the stadium post mortem after the eminent KF Tirana player, coach and president, Selman Stërmasi. The stadium has a capacity of 12,500 (of which 6000 seated) and has recently ended a long phase of construction, involving development of the main pitch, central seated area, facilities around the ground and general lineaments. There are still improvements expected to be made soon, as side seated areas, an electronic clock and a KF Tirana shopping centre just under central seated. The internal facilities include a press conference room, journalist's corner and modern showers. The main parking area is located at the front of the stadium which leads to the entrance. The whole external part of the stadium is surrounded by a 9 ft. rail fence.^[10]

Supporters

The supporters of KF Tirana are organised in Tirona Fanatics. This fanclub is started in 2005 and is popular to football fans out of KF Tirana. The name Tirona Fanatics is chosen because it's written in the dialect of Tirana.

Rivalries

Achievements

KF Tirana are regarded as the Albania's top football team having won:

Domestic

• Kategoria Superiore / Albanian Superior League (KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga)

24 times (Record) – 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1964–1965, 1965–1966, 1968, 1969–1970, 1981–1982, 1984–1985, 1987–1988, 1988–1989, 1994–1995, 1995–1996, 1996–1997, 1998–1999, 1999–2000, 2002–2003, 2003–2004, 2004–2005, 2006–2007, 2008–2009

• Albanian Cup (KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Cup)

14 times – 1938–39, 1963, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2011.

• Albanian Supercup

9 times (Record) – 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011.

International

• Balkans Cup

Runners Up – 1983.

Records

• Biggest ever home league victory: KF Tirana - KS Flamurtari 11:0 (05.07.1936)
• Biggest ever home league defeat: KF Tirana - KS Vllaznia 0:6 (1947)
• Biggest ever away league victory: KF Elbasani - KF Tirana 2:9 (12.06.1932)
• Biggest ever away league defeat: KS Besa - KF Tirana 7:1 (1992)
• Biggest ever European home victory: KF Tirana - Sliema Wanderers(Mlt) 5:0 (27.09.1989)
• Biggest ever European home defeat: KF Tirana - NK Croatia Zagreb(Cro) 2:6 (24.07.1996)
• Biggest ever European away victory: FC Gomel(Blr) - KF Tirana 0:2 (14.07.2004)
• Biggest ever European away defeat: FC Utrecht(Hol) - KF Tirana 4:0 (15.07.2010)

Last 20 Seasons

European Performance Table

Balkans Cup Performance

• QR = Qualifying Round
• 1R = 1st Round
• 2R = 2nd Round

UEFA club competition record

Last Update: 24 July 2011^[11]

Ranking

UEFA club coefficient ranking

(As of 21 July 2011), Source: Bert Kassies website

IFFHS World club ranking of the last decade

(1 January 2001 – 30 September 2010), Source: IFFHS

IFFHS Europe club ranking of the last decade

(1 January 2001 – 30 September 2010), Source: IFFHS

Players

Current squad

4-4-2

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

National players

Reserves and academy

For the reserve and academy squads, see KF Tirana Reserves and Academy

Former players

For details on former players, see Category:KF Tirana players.

Player records

Most goals

(after the 8th week of 2010–2011 season)

Managerial

Award winners

Albanian Golden Boot

The following players have won the Albanian Golden Boot whilst playing for KF Tirana:

• Mark Gurashi – 1934 (12 goals)
• Riza Lushta – (2) 1936 (11 goals), 1937 (25 goals)
• Enver Shehu – 1959 (6 goals)
• Panajot Pano – 1959 (6 goals)
• Josif Kazanxhi – 1967 (14 goals)
• Skënder Hyka – 1970 (19 goals)
• Petrit Dibra – 1979 (14 goals)
• Arben Minga – 1985 (13 goals)
• Agustin Kola – (2) 1988 (18 goals), 1989 (19 goals)
• Indrit Fortuzi – (2) 2001 (30 goals), 2002 (24 goals)
• Mahir Halili – 2003 (20 goals)
• Hamdi Salihi – 2006 (29 goals)
• Vioresin Sinani – 2007 (23 goals)
• Migen Memelli – 2009 (22 goals)

Current coaching staff

As of December 16, 2011^[12]

KF Tirana Sponsorship

Presidents

KF Tirana has historically been managed and owned by one president. The only exception is during period of 2007–2008, when the presidency was vacant and club was managed by a number of sponsors. KF Tirana has had numerous presidents over the course of its history, most of which have also been the owners of the club, whilst others have only been honorific presidents such as Bamir Topi and Fatmir Frasheri. The club has had a total of 13 presidents, in total from 1920 until the present day. The most successful president in history is considered to be the Egyptian millionaire Metwally El Sayed who was president of the club during the period 1999–2004. The president who has had the longest management over the club has been Selman Stermasi who was owner and president from 1936 until 1960, whilst the president with the shortest management has been Fatmir Frasheri, who only lasted a single year from 2004–2005. Below is the official presidential history of KF Tirana, from when the club was formed, until the present day.^[14]

KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Since the Kategoria superiore began in 1930, KF Tirana have scored 2957 goals and conceded 1559. The club has won 906 games, drawn 441 and lost 377. The club's goal difference is +1398 and the winning difference is +529.^[15]

Data correct up to the end of the 2010–2011 season.

See also KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

KF Tirana's champions

(4 times or more)

References

External links

• Unofficial Website (Albanian) (English)
• Fan Website (International)
• Fanatics House
• KF Tirana at UEFA.COM
• KF Tirana at EUFO.DE
• KF Tirana at Weltfussball.de
• KF Tirana at Playerhistory.com
• KF Tirana at Transfermarkt.de
• KF Tirana at Football-Lineups.com
• Shqiperia-Futboll