Memaliaj Sport
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| Full name | Klubi i Futbollit për Femra Memaliaj Sport | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 30 October 2008 | ||
| Dissolved | 2011 | ||
| Ground | Memaliaj, Albania | ||
| League | Kategoria Superiore Femra | ||
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Memaliaj Sport were an Albanian women's professional football club based in Memaliaj. They last competed in Kategoria Superiore Femra during the 2010–11 season, finishing fifth in a nine-team league.
History
Memaliaj Sport football club was founded in 2006 through the efforts of sports journalist Gëzim Shehu and a dedicated group of football referees from Memaliaj. Among the founding members were Elton Ciko, Vasil Baxho, Luan Aliaj, Edmond Tafili, Taulant Çela, Skënder Tata, Bexhet Çobani, Merita Shehu and Oltion Lame.
Soon after its formation, Memaliaj Sport entered both domestic and international tournaments in Pogradec, Elbasan, Kavajë, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The team quickly gained reinforcements, including five standout players from North Macedonia: defenders Krivanjeva (Skopje) and Shaqiri (Kumanovo), midfielders Yzeiri (Gostivar) and Ismajli (Skopje), and forward Salihi (Skopje). Additional talent joined from Gjakova, including the Gjuraj sisters and other players came from Shkodër, Tirana, Delvinë, and even Greece, with Harizaj from Patra. Together with local players, they formed a competitive squad poised to compete in the national championship.
After the official registration of the club on October 30, 2008, Memaliaj Sport made its debut in the inaugural National Championship of 2009, under coach Vladimir Shehu. The following season, Shehu was replaced by Xhevit Kaçorri, who led the team to 23 points, surpassing four teams in the final rankings.
However, financial instability soon disrupted the club’s progress. Basic necessities like equipment and transportation for away games became insurmountable hurdles. The team’s star players from North Macedonia were the first to leave, and others soon followed. The financial strain proved too much and the club eventually ceased operations.[1]
References
- ^ Hoxha, Florent (2020). Futbolli Femëror Shqiptar. Shtëpia Botuese "ADA". pp. 61–64. ISBN 978-9928-326-47-8.