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{{Football club infobox
{{Football club infobox
| clubname = KF Tirana
| clubname = SK Tirana
| current = KF Tirana season 2009–10
| current = SK Tirana season 2009–10
| image = [[Image:SK-Tirana.png|185px|Logo]]
| image = [[Image:SK-Tirana.png|185px|Logo]]
| fullname = Klub i Futbollit Tirana
| fullname = Klub i Futbollit Tirana
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}}
}}


'''KF Tirana''' ({{lang-sq|Klubi i Futbollit Tirana}}, in English ''Football club Tirana'') is the most successful [[Albanians|Albanian]] [[Association football|football]] club. It is also 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 ({{lang-sq|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 [[Kategoria superiore 1930|first Albanian Football Championship]]. KF Tirana is also the only club in Albania to have played all the championships of the [[Albanian Superliga]] since [[Kategoria superiore 1930|1930]] and all the [[Albanian Cup]]s started in [[Albanian Cup|1938]]. The club participated in a European cup competition in [[European Cup 1965-66|1965-66]] for the first time.
'''SK Tirana''' ({{lang-sq|Klubi i Futbollit Tirana}}, in English ''Football club Tirana'') is the most successful [[Albanians|Albanian]] [[Association football|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 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 ({{lang-sq|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 [[Kategoria superiore 1930|first Albanian Football Championship]]. SK Tirana is also the only club in Albania to have played all the championships of the [[Albanian Superliga]] since [[Kategoria superiore 1930|1930]] and all the [[Albanian Cup]]s started in [[Albanian Cup|1938]]. The club participated in a European cup competition in [[European Cup 1965-66|1965-66]] for the first time.


== History ==
== History ==

Revision as of 15:56, 13 May 2010

SK Tirana
Logo
Full nameKlub i Futbollit Tirana
Founded1920
GroundSelman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana Albania
Capacity19,600 [1]
ChairmanAlbania Refik Halili
ManagerAlbania Sulejman Starova
LeagueAlbanian Superliga
Current season

SK Tirana (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana, in English Football club 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 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. 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, 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. 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 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 couldn't 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.

Recent seasons

Even though KF Tirana shined through last 20 years,three recent seasons displayed instability.Despite most of key players remained in the team,other factors affected negatively the presentation,not only in the domestic league,but also international appearances.KF Tirana's last solid dominating season was the one 2006/07 when the title was easily achieved.However,since team failure in Champions League qualifications(two losses against slovenians of NK Domzale)which interrupted the chain of successes in Europe,KF Tirana started an unexplainable downfall.Season 2007/08 found them in 6-th spot,an unusual position for this team for last 18 years. Although won the title in 2008/09,it was a glowless season.Problems started again in 2009/10 where team 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 would be achieving Europa League first qualifying round participation.Which although made easier from KS Besa triumph in the Domestic Cup,obviously is not guaranteed yet with rounds yet to be played in the epilogue of the season.

Stadiums

Qemal Stafa Stadium

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]

Ranking

UEFA club coefficient ranking

(As of 8 April 2010), Source: Bert Kassies website

Rank Team Points
=260 Slovenia Rudar Velenje 1.891
=260 Slovenia ND Gorica 1.891
=262 Hungary Szombathelyi Haladás 1.850
=262 Hungary Újpest FC 1.850
0264 Albania KF Tirana 1.799
=265 Georgia (country) Olimpi Rustavi 1.649
=265 Georgia (country) FC Zestafoni 1.649
0267 Armenia Pyunik F.C. 1.599
0268 Iceland Fram Reykjavík 1.583

IFHHS world club ranking

(1st January 2009 - 31st December 2009; Previous year listed in brackets), Source: IFHHS

0286 File:GreenUpArrow.svg 0(313) England Blackburn
=286 File:GreenUpArrow.svg 0(299) Argentina Avellaneda
=286 0(267) Argentina CA Huracán
=286 0(284) Slovakia MFK Košice
=286 File:GreenUpArrow.svg 0(299) Albania KF Tirana
=286 0(257) Spain Osasuna
0292 0(289) Finland FC Honka
0293 File:GreenUpArrow.svg 0(313) Peru Inti Gas Deportes
=293 File:GreenUpArrow.svg 0(313) Paraguay Tacuary

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.

KF Tirana in Europe

As of July 15, 2009.

Season Competition Round Country Club Home Away
1965/66 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Scotland Kilmarnock F.C. 0-0 0-1
1969/70 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Belgium Standard Liege 1-1 0-3
1970/71 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Netherlands AFC Ajax 2-2 0-2
1982/83 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Northern Ireland Linfield 1-0 1-2
2R Soviet Union Dynamo Kyiv n.d. n.d.
1983/84 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1R Sweden Hammarby IF 2-1 0-3
1986/87 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1R Romania FC Dinamo Bucureşti 1-0 2-1
2R Sweden Malmö FF 0-3 0-0
1988/89 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Malta Ħamrun Spartans 2-0 1-2
2R Sweden IFK Göteborg 0-3 0-1
1989/90 European Champion Clubs' Cup 1R Malta Sliema Wanderers 5-0 0-1
2R Germany FC Bayern Munich 0-3 1-3
1994/95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup QR Belarus FC Bobruisk 3-0 1-4
1R Denmark Brøndby IF 0-1 0-3
1995/96 UEFA Cup QR Israel Hapoel Be'er Sheva FC 0-1 0-2
1996/97 UEFA Cup 1QR Croatia NK Dinamo Zagreb 2-6 0-4
1998/99 UEFA Cup 1QR Slovakia FK Inter Bratislava 0-2 0-2
1999/00 UEFA Champions League 1QR Iceland Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyja 1-2 0-1
2000/01 UEFA Champions League 1QR Moldova FC Zimbru Chisinau 2-3 2-3
2001/02 UEFA Cup QR Cyprus Apollon Limassol 3-2 1-3
2002/03 UEFA Cup QR Romania FC Naţional Bucureşti 0-1 2-2
2003/04 UEFA Champions League 1QR Georgia (country) Dinamo Tbilisi 3-0 (4-2 pen.) 0-3
2QR Austria Grazer AK 1-5 1-2
2004/05 UEFA Champions League 1QR Belarus FC Gomel 0-1 2-0
2QR Hungary Ferencvárosi TC 2-3 1-0
2005/06 UEFA Champions League 1QR Slovenia ND Gorica 3-0 0-2
2QR Bulgaria CSKA Sofia 0-2 0-2
2006/07 UEFA Cup 1QR Croatia NK Varteks 2-0 1-1
2QR Turkey Kayserispor 0-2 1-3
2007/08 UEFA Champions League 1QR Slovenia NK Domžale 1-2 0-1
2009/10 UEFA Champions League 2QR Norway Stabæk 1-1 0-4
  • QR = Qualifying Round
  • 1R = 1st Round
  • 2R = 2nd Round

Players

Current squad

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Albania ALB Blendi Nallbani (vice-captain)
3 DF Albania ALB Rezart Dabulla
5 DF Albania ALB Entonio Pashaj
6 DF Albania ALB Andi Lila
7 MF Albania ALB Blerti Hajdari
8 MF Albania ALB Jetmir Sefa
9 FW Albania ALB Sebino Plaku
10 MF Albania ALB Devis Mukaj (captain)
11 FW Albania ALB Ergys Sorra
12 GK North Macedonia MKD Pece Korunovski
13 DF Albania ALB Erindo Karabeci
14 MF Albania ALB Bledar Devolli
No. Pos. Nation Player
15 DF Albania ALB Ditmar Bicaj
16 DF Nigeria NGA Abraham Alechenwu
17 MF Albania ALB Gjergji Muzaka
18 FW Albania ALB Erand Rica
19 DF Albania ALB Tefik Osmani
20 FW Albania ALB Arbër Abilaliaj
23 MF Albania ALB Sabien Lila
25 DF Albania ALB Elvis Sina
27 MF Albania ALB Gerald Tusha
28 DF Albania ALB Julian Ahmataj
30 MF Albania ALB Marvin Nallbani

Out on loan

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 MF Albania ALB Migen Metani (on loan to KS Gramozi Ersekë)
21 FW Albania ALB Enco Malindi (on loan to KS Skënderbeu Korçë)
24 DF Albania ALB Mario Shehu (on loan to KS Kamza)
31 GK Albania ALB Klajdi Kuka (on loan to KS Tomori Berat)
-- DF Albania ALB Gentjan Muça (on loan to Dinamo Tirana)
-- DF Albania ALB Besian Celiku (on loan to KS Skënderbeu Korçë)
-- FW Albania ALB Hendrit Ferra (on loan to KF Elbasani)
-- FW Albania ALB Samet Gjoka (on loan to KF Partizani Tirana)
No. Pos. Nation Player
-- DF Albania ALB Albi Çeliku (on loan to KS Lushnja)
-- DF Albania ALB Tedi Baholli (on loan to KF Liria)
-- GK Albania ALB Eni Malaj (on loan to KS Turbina Cërrik)
-- DF Albania ALB Elio Rapo (on loan to KS Turbina Cërrik)
-- DF Albania ALB Redi Papinari (on loan to KS Turbina Cërrik)
-- DF Albania ALB Florenc Çaushi (on loan to KS Turbina Cërrik)
-- DF Albania ALB Klejdi Nela (on loan to KS Turbina Cërrik)
-- GK Albania ALB Ilir Ndoj (on loan to Partizani Tirana)
77 FW Albania ALB Poci (on loan toStudenti)
45 FW Albania ALB Farku (on loan toStudenti)
64 FW Albania ALB Baraj (on loan toStudenti)

International players

Foreign 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 26th week of 2009-2010 season)

# Name Career Goals Appearances Goals/Game
Ratio
1 Albania Indrit Fortuzi 1993–2008 152 210 0.724
2 Albania Agustin Kola 1979–1997 133 ? ?
3 Albania Arben Minga 1977–1996 105 ? ?
4 Albania Petrit Dibra 1971–1980 70 ? ?
5 Albania Skënder Hyka 1965-1974 60 ? ?
6 Albania Devi Muka 1999-present 61 196 0.311
7 Albania Niko Xhaçka 1961–1972 53 ? ?
8 Albania Ali Mema 1963-1972 52 ? ?
9 Albania Shkëlqim Muça 1979-1988 51 ? ?
10 Albania Mahir Halili 2001-2005 46 133 0.346
11 Albania Pavllo Bukoviku 1964-1970 45 ? ?
12 Albania Mirel Josa 1982-1991 44 ? ?
13 Albania Hamdi Salihi 2005-2006 42 52 0.808
14 Albania Josif Kazanxhi 1966-1972 42 ? ?
15 Albania Eldorado Merkoçi 1994-2008 40 162 0.247
For full list KF Tirana's top scorers in Albanian Superliga

Managerial

Name Superliga Albanian Cup Supercup Total
Albania Selman Stërmasi 6 0 0 6
Albania Sulejman Starova 1 0 0
Albania Mirel Josa 1 1 1
Albania Shkëlqim Muça 3 0 1
Albania Sulejman Mema 2 0 1 4
Albania Myslym Alla 3 0 0 3
Albania Enver Shehu 3 3 0 6
Albania Shyqyri Rreli 2 0 0 2
Albania Alban Tafaj 1 0 0 1
Albania Agustin Kola 0 1 0 1
Albania Fatmir Frasheri 1 0 0 1
Albania Skënder Jareci 1 0 0 1
Croatia Ilija Loncarevic 0 0 1 1
Italy Leonardo Menichini 0 0 0 0
Bosnia and Herzegovina Enver Hadžiabdić 0 0 1 1
Hungary Miklos Temesvari 0 0 1 1

Award winners

Albanian Golden Boot

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

SK Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

Since the Kategoria superiore began in 1930, SK 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.

See also KF Tirana Statistics in Albanian Superliga

KF 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

References

External links