KF Shkëndija

Klubi i Futbollit Shkëndija (Macedonian: ФК Шкендија, romanized: FK Škendija) commonly known as Shkëndija, is a football club based in Tetovo, North Macedonia. Their home stadium is Ecolog Arena and they currently play in the Macedonian First League. In the 2010–11 season of the Macedonian First Football League, the club won its first major championship.

For the Albanian football club, see KF Shkëndija Tiranë.

KF Shkëndija
ФК Шкендија
Full nameKlubi i Futbollit Shkëndija
Фудбалски Клуб Шкендија
Nickname(s)Ballistët (The Ballists)
Founded27 August 1979 (1979-08-27)
GroundEcolog Arena
Capacity15,000
ChairmanZamir Dika
ManagerArdian Nuhiu
LeagueMacedonian First League
2022–233rd of 12
WebsiteClub website

History

Yugoslav period
The original senior Shkëndija team

KF Shkëndija was formed on 27 August 1979 by ethnic Albanians from Tetovo.[1][2] The purpose of forming the club was so that the Albanians throughout Yugoslavia could unite in supporting a club for Albanians. FK Shkëndija was frowned upon by Yugoslav officials as it was thought the club would awaken nationalist feelings among the Albanians of Yugoslavia. Starting at the lowest division in Yugoslavia, the Municipal League, KF Shkëndija played their first match against FK Kosmos, winning 4–0.[3]

Shkëndija won the division in the 1979–1980 season, resulting in Shkëndija being promoted into the Third division.[4] After claiming the third division title in the 1980–1981 season, Shkëndija was then again promoted into the Second division. However, as the popularity of the club began to increase among the Albanian population of Yugoslavia, the ruling socialist government members disbanded the club, worried that the club would stoke ethnic tensions during a fragile period in SFRY.[4]

Re-establishment

After Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia, KF Shkëndija was re-established into the Macedonian Football League. It started at the Fourth division, eventually being promoted each season to the third, second and finally, to the First division.[4] In the 2010–11 season of the Macedonian First Football League the club won its first major championship with an unbeaten run of 16 games.[5] On 20 May 2012, Shkëndija handed FK Vardar its first loss of the season with a 1–0 victory.[6]

The Ecolog era
City Stadium in 2008 prior to 2015-2017 renovations

During the 2012–13 season, Shkëndija was embroiled in financial difficulties and as a result, many of its players left the club earlier in the summer. The Shkëndija supporters, the Ballistët, began a social media campaign requesting Ecolog to take over Shkëndija.[7] Albanian international, Lorik Cana and Swiss international, Xherdan Shaqiri also joined the campaign with the supporters.[7] On 31 July 2013, Lazim Destani, father of Ecolog founder and chairman, Nazif Destani, announced Ecolog International will take charge of Shkëndija.[7][8] Under the new administration, Shkëndija bought in over five new players to the squad, four days before the transfer season ended, as well as balancing the financial state of the club. The new season started averagely for Shkëndija, amassing five draws in a row. However, on 21 September 2013, Shkëndija comfortably defeated rivals FK Vardar in a 3–1 home game during the derby, displaying improvement of the club under Ecolog. However, for the next eight fixtures, Shkëndija were very inconsistent, drawing once, winning three and losing four. After losing 5–0 to FK Rabotnički, manager Gjore Jovanovski was relieved of his duties. Shpëtim Duro was named the manager Shkëndija just 15 hours after the sacking of Jovanovski. He was first hired as a temporary caretaker manager for the club's the remaining 3 games before the long winter break, but signed a contract with the club to be the manager for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[9][10]

During the winter break, Shkëndija was the most active team in the Prva Liga during the transfer period, bringing in 9 new players, further revamping the football club in preparation for the second half of the season. The second half of the season saw drastic improvement for Shkëndija under Shpëtim Duro, moving them from 8th position near the relegation zone, to 4th position at the end of the season, winning their final seven games in a row.[11] Shkendija earned a spot in the 2014–15 first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

Supporters
Main article: Ballistët

The supporters of Shkëndija are called the Ballistët, named after the fascist World War II Balli Kombëtar. When the club was formed in 1979, use of nationalism was strictly prohibited by the Yugoslav government. The supporting firm of Shkëndija called themselves BAL, using the first three letters of Balli Kombëtar. When Shkëndija was reinstated into the Macedonian Football League, the supporting firm was re-established as the Ballistët in 1992. When kick-off commences, the Ballistët always sing the national anthem of Albania. The ultras of Shkëndija are notorious for their hardline nationalistic rhetoric and pride in their Albanian heritage.

Rivalry

Being a club with a strong Albanian nationalist background, Shkëndija has rivalry with most of the Macedonian football clubs. However, the biggest rivalry are with FK Vardar and FK Teteks. The Shkëndija-Teteks rivalry is one of the biggest and most heated in North Macedonia. When Shkëndija play against Teteks, the majority of the Tetovo police are stationed at Ecolog Arena. Shkendija supporters are banned from attending Vardar-Shkendija matches in Skopje.[12]

Players

Current squad
As of 14 June 2023

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 North Macedonia MKD Kostadin Zahov
3 DF Albania ALB Almir Rexhepi
4 DF Kosovo KOS Ardian Limani
5 DF Albania ALB Klisman Cake
7 FW Albania ALB Eraldo Çinari
8 MF North Macedonia MKD Ennur Totre
9 FW North Macedonia MKD Dashmir Elezi
10 MF Kosovo KOS Endrit Krasniqi
11 DF North Macedonia MKD Metodi Maksimov
17 MF Kosovo KOS Adenis Shala
18 FW Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH Almir Aganspahić
No. Pos. Nation Player
21 DF North Macedonia MKD Zija Merxhani
22 MF Albania ALB Bruno Dita
23 DF North Macedonia MKD Bashkim Velija
26 DF North Macedonia MKD Anes Meliqi
27 MF North Macedonia MKD Lorik Kaba Jakupi
28 MF Albania ALB Kamer Qaka
30 GK North Macedonia MKD Ferat Ramani
38 MF North Macedonia MKD Amir Nuhija
77 MF North Macedonia MKD Florent Ramadani
85 DF North Macedonia MKD Mevlan Adili
95 GK North Macedonia MKD Davor Taleski

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
13 MF North Macedonia MKD Xhezair Avduli (at Arsimi until 31 December 2023)
25 GK North Macedonia MKD Astrit Amzai (at Teteks until 31 December 2023)
35 MF North Macedonia MKD Memetriza Hamza (at Besa 1976 until 31 December 2023)
No. Pos. Nation Player
55 MF North Macedonia MKD Oktaj Rakipi (at Besa 1976 until 31 December 2023)
99 FW North Macedonia MKD Zani Nazifi (at Besa 1976 until 31 December 2023)

Personnel

Current technical staff
As of 18 January 2022
Position Name
Manager Ardian Nuhiu
Assistant manager Muharem Bajrami
Goalkeeping coach Salajdin Mustafi
Fitness coach Andi Kulli
Ivan Jovanovski
Scout Mensur Jakupi
Juniors coach Bekim Osmani
Cadets coach Burhan Emurlai
Coordinator Festim Ademi

Management
Position Staff
Owner Lazim Destani
Director Zamir Dika
Administration Director Lulzim Imeri
Operations Director Dritan Musliu
Sporting Director Harun Isa
Secretary Erblir Luma

Honours

League

Cups

Recent seasons

1The 2019–20 season was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic in North Macedonia.[14]

Shkëndija in Europe
Accurate as of 13 July 2023

Overview
Competition Pld W D L GF GA GD Win%
UEFA Champions League 12 3 1 8 8 21 −13 025.00
UEFA Europa League 27 10 6 11 32 33 −1 037.04
UEFA Europa Conference League 9 4 3 2 12 9 +3 044.44
Total 48 17 10 21 52 63 −11 035.42

Matches
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2QR Serbia Partizan 0–1 0–4 0–5
2012–13 UEFA Europa League 1QR Northern Ireland Portadown 0–0 1–2 1–2
2014–15 UEFA Europa League 1QR Moldova Zimbru 2–1 0–2 2–3
2015–16 UEFA Europa League 1QR Scotland Aberdeen 1–1 0–0 1–1 (a)
2016–17 UEFA Europa League 1QR Poland Cracovia 2–0 2–1 4–1
2QR Azerbaijan Neftçi 1–0 0–0 1–0
3QR Czech Republic Mladá Boleslav 2–0 0–1 2–1
PO Belgium Gent 0–4 1–2 1–6
2017–18 UEFA Europa League 1QR Moldova Dacia 3–0 4–0 7–0
2QR Finland HJK 3–1 1–1 4–2
3QR Lithuania Trakai 3–0 1–2 4–2
PO Italy Milan 0–1 0–6 0–7
2018–19 UEFA Champions League 1QR Wales The New Saints 5–0 0−4 5–4
2QR Moldova Sheriff 1–0 0–0 1–0
3QR Austria Red Bull Salzburg 0−1 0−3 0–4
UEFA Europa League PO Norway Rosenborg 0−2 1−3 1–5
2019–20 UEFA Champions League 1QR Estonia Nõmme Kalju 1–2 1–0 2−2 (a)
UEFA Europa League 2QR Luxembourg F91 Dudelange 1–2 1–1 2−3
2020–21 UEFA Europa League 1QR Azerbaijan Sumgayit — 2–0 —
2QR Romania Botoșani — 1–0 —
3QR England Tottenham Hotspur 1–3 — —
2021–22 UEFA Champions League 1QR Slovenia Mura 0–1 0−5 0–6
UEFA Europa Conference League 2QR Latvia Riga 0−1 0−2 0−3
2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League 1QR Armenia Ararat Yerevan 2–0 2–2 4–2
2QR Latvia Valmiera 3–1 2–1 5–2
3QR Sweden AIK 1–1 (a.e.t.) 1–1 2–2 (2–3 p)
2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League 1QR Wales Haverfordwest County 1–0 0–1 (a.e.t.) 1–1 (2–3 p)
Notes
  • 1QR: First qualifying round
  • 2QR: Second qualifying round
  • 3QR: Third qualifying round
  • PO: Play-off round

UEFA club coefficient ranking

As of 4.09.2021, Source:

RankTeamPoints
113Republic of Ireland Dundalk FC9.500
114Turkey Fenerbahçe SK9.500
115North Macedonia KF Shkëndija9.000
116Belgium RSC Anderlecht9.000
117France OGC Nice9.000

Top goalscorers in Europe

As of 13.07.2023, Source: kfshkendija.com

Rank Name Shkëndija Career Goals
1 Besart Ibraimi 2015–2021 16
2 Ferhan Hasani 2007–2012, 2015–2018, 2022–2023 7
3 Stênio Júnior 2014–2019 5
4 Agim Ibraimi 2005–2006, 2019–2020 4
5 Ljupcho Doriev 2020–2023 3
6 Sindrit Guri 2021–2022 2
Valmir Nafiu 2010–2011, 2018–2023
Marjan Radeski 2015–2020
Adenis Shala 2021–
10 Armend Alimi 2014–2021 1
Egzon Bejtulai 2013–2019, 2020–2023
Ivan Čeliković 2017
Ardian Cuculi 2006–2014, 2015–2018, 2022–2023
Izair Emini 2007–2012, 2017–2019
Hristijan Kirovski 2014–2015
Ivan Mitrov 2014–2015
Florent Ramadani 2019–
Bojan Vručina 2014–2016
Arbin Zejnullai 2016–2021

Historical list of coaches
  • North Macedonia Zoran Smileski (Jul 1992 – Jun 1995)
  • Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Ajet Shosholli (1995 – 1996)
  • Albania Edmond Miha (1999)
  • North Macedonia Zoran Smileski (Jul 1999 – Jun 2000)
  • North Macedonia Idriz Sulejmani (2000 – 2001)
  • North Macedonia Zoran Smileski (2001)
  • Albania Medin Zhega (2002)
  • North Macedonia Buran Beadini (2003 – 2004)
  • North Macedonia Iskender Junuzi (Jul 2004 – Nov 2004)
  • North Macedonia Nexhat Huseini (28 Nov 2004 – Jun 2006)
  • Albania Edmond Miha (2006 – Apr 2007)
  • North Macedonia Ibrahim Ljuma (14 Apr 2007 – Jun 2007)
  • North Macedonia Qatip Osmani (Jul 2007 – Oct 2007)
  • North Macedonia Zoran Smileski (28 Oct 2007 – Mar 2008)
  • North Macedonia Borce Hristov (21 Mar 2008 – 1 May 2008)
  • North Macedonia Ejup Sulejmani (2 May 2008 – )
  • North Macedonia Zoran Stratev (Jan 2009 – Jun 2009)
  • North Macedonia Qatip Osmani (Jul 2009 – Sep 2010)
  • Albania Edmond Miha (16 Sep 2010 – 1 Nov 2010)
  • North Macedonia Qatip Osmani (6 Nov 2010 – 30 Sep 2011)
  • North Macedonia Erhan Salimi (interim) (Oct 2011)
  • North Macedonia Nexat Shabani (11 Oct 2011 – 20 Mar 2012)
  • North Macedonia Qatip Osmani (21 Mar 2012 - 31 Jul 2012)
  • North Macedonia Ibrahim Luma (interim) (Aug 2012)
  • North Macedonia Artim Shaqiri (22 Aug 2012 – 4 Jul 2013)
  • North Macedonia Gjore Jovanovski (1 Aug 2013 - 24 Nov 2013)
  • Albania Shpëtim Duro (24 Nov 2013 – 24 May 2014)
  • Croatia Roy Ferenčina (6 Jun 2014 - 31 Aug 2014)
  • North Macedonia Jeton Beqiri (interim) (Sep 2014)
  • Croatia Ardian Kozniku (4 Sep 2014 – 27 Mar 2015)
  • North Macedonia Jeton Beqiri (27 Mar 2015 - 25 May 2015)
  • Albania Shpëtim Duro (12 Jun 2015 - 22 Dec 2015)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina Bruno Akrapović (22 Dec 2015 – 27 Oct 2016)
  • North Macedonia Jeton Beqiri (interim) (28 Oct 2016 - 31 Dec 2016)
  • Germany Thomas Brdarić (7 Jan 2017 - 10 May 2017)
  • North Macedonia Erhan Salimi (interim) (May 2017)
  • North Macedonia Qatip Osmani (Jun 2017 – Sep 2019)
  • North Macedonia Erhan Salimi (interim) (Sep 2019 - Oct 2019)
  • Albania Ernest Gjoka (10 Oct 2019 – Aug 2021)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina Bruno Akrapović (2 Aug 2021 – Jun 2022)
  • North Macedonia Artim Shaqiri (Jun 2022 – Sep 2022)
  • North Macedonia Qatip Osmani (Sep 2022 – May 2023)
  • North Macedonia Ardian Nuhiu (Jun 2023 – )

References
  1. D. Nikolić. "Predstavljamo Škendiju, prvog Partizanovog rivala". Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  2. "Škendija, šampion Makedonije". 20 June 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  3. "Historiku".
  4. "Official KF Shkendija Thread". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  5. "Shkendija Tetovo wins the Macedonian First League". Retrieved 14 May 2011.
  6. "Macedonian First League – Round 32". Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  7. "Ecolog takes over Shkendija". Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  8. "Ecolog" shpëton Shkëndijën, tha po" (in Albanian). Archived from the original on 2 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  9. Shpëtim Duro to caretake Shkendija
  10. Shpëtim Duro, trajneri i Shkëndijës së Tetovës
  11. "Shpëtim Duro leaves Shkendija". macedonianfootball.com. macedonianfootball. 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  12. Filip Zdraveski. "Preview: Macedonian First League – Round 9". Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  13. Emil Gasevski. "Skendija lift Macedonian Super Cup". Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  14. "Вонредна седница на Управен одбор на Фудбалска федерација на Македонија: Прекин на натпреварувачката сезона 2019/2020". Фудбалска Федерација на Македонија. 4 June 2020.
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