KF Tirana
| Logo | |||
| Full name | Futboll Klub Tirana | ||
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| Founded | 1920 | ||
| Ground | Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana Albania | ||
| Capacity | 12,500 [1] | ||
| Chairman |  Refik Halili | ||
| Manager | Devi Muka | ||
| League | Albanian Superliga | ||
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Klubi i Futbollit / KF Tirana is the most successful Albanian football club. It is also the most popular football club in the country with a considerable number of supporters. SK Tirana team plays its home games in the capital of Albania, Tirana, at the Selman Stërmasi stadium or at 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 "Sportklub Tirana" (SK Tirana), in 1947, to "17 Nëntori Tirana", from 1952 to 1956 to "Puna Tirana", and in 1991 the club returned to its original name, SK Tirana. Tirana won its first title of Albanian champions in the first Albanian Football Championship. SK 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. The club participated in a European cup competition in 1965-66 for the first time.
History
The '20s
In 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.[1]
The '30s and WW2
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-WW2 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 11 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.
1944-1957
After the war, SK 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, SK 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. Although having been a victim of disgusting manipulations and unjustice, 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.
The 70's and 80's
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 old players' generation reaching its career sunset, this could only mark the end of a highly successful era. But the unsuccessful spell wouldn't 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 clubs competitions and many of the team players made up the core of the best Albania the country had ever had.
The '90s till present
During the first half of the nineties SK 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 couldn't stand being too long from the leading spots. Thus at the end of the 1994-1995 season, SK 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.
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 signifiacant matches are played at the national team's Qemal Stafa stadium, thestadium 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 wihout an athletic track around the field, which they hope will provide more atmoshphere 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.[2]
Selman Stërmasi Stadium
KF Tirana plays most of its official and friendly games st 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 an 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 develpment 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.[3]
Achievements
KF Tirana are regarded as the Albania's top football team having won:
24 times - 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
13 times - 1938, 1963, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006.
8 times - 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009.
Current squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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- See also KF Tirana Reserves and Academy
- See also Category:KF Tirana players.
SK Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga
Since the Kategoria superiore began in 1930, KF Tirana have scored 2877 goals and conceded 1496. The club has won 880 games, drawn 423 and lost 355. The club's goal difference is +1381 and the winning difference is +525.[4]
| Season | Goals | Wins | Draws | Losses | +/-Goals | +/- Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 2877-1496 | 880 | 423 | 355 | +1381 | +525 |
Data correct up to the end of the 2008-2009 season.
SK Tirana's top 10 scorers in Albanian Superliga
(after the 10th week of 2009-2010 season)
| # | Scorer | Goals | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indrit Fortuzi |
152 | 1994-2008 |
| 2 | Agustin Kola |
133 | 1979-1997 |
| 3 | Arben Minga |
105 | 1977-1996 |
| 4 | Petrit Dibra |
70* | 1971-1980 |
| 5 | Skënder Hyka |
60* | 1965-1974 |
| 6 | Devi Muka |
57 | 1999-2009 |
| 7 | Niko Xhaçka |
53* | 1961-1972 |
| 8 | Ali Mema |
52* | 1963-1972 |
| 9 | Shkëlqim Muça |
51 | 1979-1988 |
| 10 | Pavllo Bukoviku |
45* | 1960-1971 |
As of 21 November 2009 (Bold denotes players still playing in the Albanian Superliga)
- Incomplete data
- For full list SK Tirana's top scorers in Albanian Superliga
SK Tirana's champions
(4 times or more)
| # | Champion | Times | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevil Dede | 8 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007 |
| Blendi Nallbani | 8 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2009 | |
| 3 | Krenar Alimehmeti | 7 | 1985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 |
| Eldoraldo Markoçi | 7 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005 | |
| 5 | Adem Karrapici | 6 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937 |
| Arben Minga | 6 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1996 | |
| Agustin Kola | 6 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1997 | |
| Ardian Mema | 6 | 1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 | |
| Sokol Bulku | 6 | 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004 | |
| Elvis Sina | 6 | 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 | |
| Devi Muka | 6 | 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 | |
| Rezart Dabulla | 6 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009 | |
| Ervin Bulku | 6 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 | |
| Isli Hidi | 6 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 | |
| 15 | Mark Gurashi | 5 | 1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 |
| Rudolf Gurashi | 5 | 1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 | |
| Emil Hajnali | 5 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1936, 1937 | |
| Florian Riza | 5 | 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 2000 | |
| Indrit Fortuzi | 5 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004 | |
| Alpin Gallo | 5 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 | |
| Alban Tafaj | 5 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 | |
| Saimir Patushi | 5 | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 | |
| 23 | Selman Stërmasi | 4 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934 |
| Hysen Kusi | 4 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1936 | |
| Pavllo Bukoviku | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Luigj Bytyçi | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Fatmir Frashëri | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Skënder Hyka | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Bahri Ishka | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Ali Mema | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Osman Mema | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Niko Xhaçka | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Mirel Josa | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Leonard Liti | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Bedri Omuri | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Bujar Sharra | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Anesti Stoja | 4 | 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995 | |
| Ansi Agolli | 4 | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009 | |
| Gentjan Hajdari | 4 | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 |
Notable Former Players
- See also Category:KF Tirana players.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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SK Tirana in Europe
As of July 15, 2009.
- QR = Qualifying Round
- 1R = 1st Round
- 2R = 2nd Round
References
External links
- Fan Website Template:En icon
- Dedicated to KF Tirana Template:En icon
- Fan Website
- KF Tirana fan website in albanian & English
- TIRONA FANS FORUM Website
- 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