FC Drita

Drita
Full name Football Club Drita
Nickname(s) Intelektualët (Intellectuals)
Short name DFC
Founded 1947 (1947)
Ground Gjilan City Stadium
Capacity 15,000
President Valon Murseli
Manager Shpëtim Duro
League Football Superleague of Kosovo
2017–18 Football Superleague of Kosovo, 1st
Website Club website

Football Club Drita (Albanian: Klubi Futbollistik Drita), commonly known as Drita is a professional football club based in Gjilan, Kosovo. The club play in the Football Superleague of Kosovo, which is the top tier of football in the country.

History

In 1947, Drita was founded by the Gjilan citizens, the name Drita means light in Albanian language and the name was taken from other sports clubs from the city. The first club footballers trained under extraordinary circumstances and in difficult conditions, without food, just to succeed. They testified their talent with their inescapable will. From the beginning it was a snag of the communist government because it rivaled the other team of the city, their favorite, Crvena Zvezda Gnjilane and because the founders and footballers were only Albanians and had an Albanian name. Therefore, in 1952 the team is extinguished by the regime. Former footballers went to the already multi-ethnic team of Zvezda, but the team didn't completely get erased. They competed in the Kosovo Province League where they were declared champions in the 1962–63 season.[1].

Post-1990

Bekim Isufi was the most successful coach of Drita during Valon Murseli and Flamur Bunjaku era, he won 2017–18 Football Superleague of Kosovo, 2018 Kosovar Supercup and assured Drita participation at European competitions.

In 1991. At the time of the dissolution of Yugoslavia. the football of Kosovo was in its zenith and consistently had 4-5 clubs in both federal leagues. But the deterioration of the political situation was also reflected in sports. It is almost impossible to play in football, and especially not in Kosovo. Yugoslavia ruling power was unprecedented in the history of sport. They pulled out all the clubs of all sports and definitely removed all the athletes from Kosovo, as he did with the workers on the street. All levels of football leagues in Kosovo disappeared for a day by the criminal hand of Serbian government. In 1991, this unprecedented act of the Serbian state, Kosovar footballers clearly indicated that they can not live without football and in absurd conditions for the 20th century, formed the Football Federation of Kosovo with all its organs. Drita then joined the new league system in Kosovo, where they played in the fields of the mountains around the city of Gjilan.[2]

Selami Osmani era

After the 90s, Drita was taken into management by Selami Osmani - Bezi with whom for 15 years reached the tops of Kosovan football, thanks to the players that brought in Gjilan, he who for 15 years contributed to Drita. Under his management Drita managed to adorn the title of the Kosovo championship in 2002–03, win the cup in 2000–01 and be a runner-up in 1999–2000 and 2001–02. Drita also reached the semifinals in 1999–00, 2001–02 and 2002–03, breaking a Kosovo record that for four consecutive years did not descend below the third position and for four years at least until the semifinals of the Kosovar Cup.[3]

Valon Murseli and Flamur Bunjaku era

On 21 July 2016, Valon Murseli and Flamur Bunjaku took over the club, the two businessmans promised big things to the club, where in 2017–18 they relied on them, proclaiming champions for the second time in the clubs history.[4]

Support

Intelektualët
Founded 1998 (1998)
Type Ultras group
Team All clubs with name Drita from Gjilan
Motto No one likes us, we don't care
Location Gjilan,  Kosovo
Arena Gjilan City Stadium
Colors             
Affiliations BKHooligans, Bojanina Blue Boys, Brigada 138, DH-B Hools, E7 Hools, Hienat, PM Mahalla, Q.Q Hools, ULH and GC Hools

Drita in the 1997–98 championship was great wherever in Kosovo and in many sporting games, the meetings started but it was difficult to name the fans. The Ballkani and Drita match was a tough game because Ballkani fought for the survival and Drita for champion, so the fans traveled to Suva Reka for the last time without a name after this game, before the game against biggest rival Gjilani, the board succumbed and after many debates the name Intelektualët (Intellectuals) was assigned because most of the players except they played were also writers, poets, politicians and so on.[5]

The Intellectuals are the biggest ultras group in Kosovo, with many transfers outside Gjilan. They also have the record of audience in football of Kosovo, the biggest was against Gjilani in 2011 with 13,000 fans and they traveled also in 2002 with 30,000 fans to the final of the Kosovar Cup in the Fadil Vokrri Stadium.[5]

Incidents

Also at Intelektualet (Intellectuals) there are groups of hooligans who do incidents especially during the derby towards Gjilani.[6]

But there are also other incidents with other groups, The incident with Plisat of Prishtina was where during the last game of the championship there was attack on the fans of Prishtina, the worst incident was the violation of the fans of Prishtina by the hooligans from Gjilan where 13 fans were injured.[7][8]

Club rivalries

The Kosovo Derby at Gjilan City Stadium in 30 September 2018

Gjilani

There is often a fierce rivalry between the two strongest teams in a national league and this is particularly the case in the Football Superleague of Kosovo, where the game between Drita and Gjilani is known as the Kosovo Derby. According to the tradition of the city of Gjilan, the party starts with fans organization, who try to give the maximum support for the respective clubs, there is also some surprise for the other opponent camp, to say that we were better and is appreciated more than what is presented to you with great curiosity about the whole city, what a presentation will be on the weekend from Skifterat (Falcons) and Intelektualët (Intellectuals).

Three days before the match the derby gives the atmosphere a night life, everywhere in the cafe bars is an atmosphere that occurs only during national holidays, where fans are seen by both the Skifterat (Falcons) and Intelektualët (Intellectuals) to live all that week under the fever of the much-anticipated derby.

One hour before the match, the two camps are organized in groups and always avoid eventual incidents between the two ultras groups. They divide the streets from where they will go to the stadium, which is good In a way organized the Kosovo Police, in a way to avoid the breakdown of this holiday and the much anticipated confrontation in Gjilan.

For a brief few moments, everything apart from the dozens of flares that littered the pitch, that'd had disappeared from view. Gone were the two white minarets that usually overlook the stadium in eastern Kosovo. Gone too were the lines of riot police patrolling the front of the main stand along with the 10,000 strong crowd, all enveloped in a monstrous blue cloud of smoke. On the other side of the pitch, a similar scene was being played out, but the consuming cloud was red. The only evidence of a football match being played was the thunderous noise of drums and chants rising ethereally from the fog.[9]

Records and statistics

Drita in the 2017–18 season has not suffered any losses, so it has broken its record since 2002–03 season with 30 undefeated games.[10][11]

Accomplishment Record Ref
Players
Most matches Kosovo Artan Latifi with 246 caps [12]
Most goals Kosovo Xhevdet Shabani with 113 goals
Team records
Biggest ever European victory 1–4 away against Gibraltar Lincoln Red Imps F.C.,
29 June 2018		 [13]
Biggest ever European defeat 0–3 home against Sweden Malmö, 10 July 2018 [14]
2–0 away against Sweden Malmö, 17 July 2018 [15]
Longest unbeaten run at all competitions 31 games in 2017–18 season [10][11]
Longest unbeaten run at Football Superleague of Kosovo 29 games in 2017–18 season
30 games in Football Superleague of Kosovo between 2 seasons

Kit evolution

After the war, the financial condition of clubs did not allow them to look after their kits, it happened that within a season the club's shirts have changed. But since joining UEFA and FIFA, this problem has disappeared. During the presentation of Betim Haxhimusa, they also unveiled the new kits that would be worn in the 2018–19 season, while the traditional colors are interwoven in a design inspired by the famous sportswear brand Givova.[16] While in the UEFA Champions League match against Malmö in Sweden, Drita played with their third kits making the presentation in public for the first time.

Period

1999–2016
Home Away
No manufacturer
2016–2018
Home Away
Italy Givova
2018–
Home Away Third
Italy Givova

Stadium

The club has played its home games at the Gjilan City Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi i Qytetit të Gjilanit) is a multi-purpose stadium in Gjilan, Kosovo. The stadium has a capacity of 10,000 people all seater. Since 2017, the stadium is under renovation as it does not meet any level required by UEFA and the goal is to get the stadium to become a fourth-tier UEFA stadium.[17]

Honours

Drita celebrating their 2018 Kosovar Supercup win against Prishtina.
FC Drita honours
Type Competition Titles Seasons/Years
Domestic Football Superleague of Kosovo 2 2002–03, 2017–18
Kosovar Supercup 1 2017–18
Kosovar Cup 1 2000–01
Kosovo Province League 1 1962–63

Players

Current squad

As of 19 August 2018[18]

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

No. Position Player
1 Kosovo GK Leutrim Rexhepi
2 Kosovo DF Premton Isufi
4 Kosovo DF Fidan Gërbeshi (vice-captain)
5 Kosovo DF Ardian Limani (captain)
6 Kosovo DF Taulant Haliti
7 Kosovo MF Endrit Krasniqi
8 Brazil MF Edenilson
10 Kosovo MF Xhevdet Shabani
11 Kosovo MF Përparim Livoreka
13 Kosovo DF Liridon Leci
14 Kosovo MF Fillonit Shaqiri
15 Azerbaijan MF Amit Guluzade
16 Kosovo MF Albin Krasniqi
No. Position Player
20 Albania MF Erjon Vucaj
21 Kosovo DF Denis Haliti
22 Kosovo FW Betim Haxhimusa
23 Kosovo DF Arbër Shala
25 Kosovo MF Bujar Shabani
27 Albania FW Eri Lamçja
29 Albania DF Ervis Kaja
31 Albania GK Edvan Bakaj
62 Kosovo DF Viktor Kuka
74 Kosovo MF Zgjim Mustafa
93 Albania MF Haxhi Neziraj
94 Germany DF Adonis Ruhani
95 Albania GK Krenar Ramadani

Personnel

Current technical staff
Position Name
Head coach Albania Shpëtim Duro
Assistant coach(es)
Kosovo Nehat Osmani
Kosovo Shefket Sermaxhaj
Goalkeeping coach Kosovo Afrim Shahini
Conditional coach Kosovo Bardhyl Qerimi
Physiotherapist Kosovo Leutrim Kërçeli
Doctor Kosovo Bujar Fazliu
Doctor Kosovo Leotrim Kerqeli
Secretary Kosovo Isuf Morina
General manager Kosovo Jetmir Salihu
Board members
Office Name
President Kosovo Valon Murseli
General director Kosovo Feti Murseli
Board member Kosovo Lorik Ilazi
Information and media officer Kosovo Gentrit Murseli

Managers

Below is a list of Drita managers from 1999, until the present day.[19]

  1. United Nations Reshat Osmani (1999–2000)
  2. United Nations Kemajl Halimi (1999–2000)
  3. United Nations Bylbyl Sokoli (2000–01)
  4. United Nations Kemajl Halimi (2001–02)
  5. United Nations Fadil Muriqi (2001–02)
  6. United Nations Hysni Maxhuni (2002)[20]
  7. United Nations Ramadan Cimili (2002–03)[20]
  8. United Nations Kemajl Halimi (2003)
  9. United Nations Muharrem Sahiti (2003–04)
  10. United Nations Reshat Osmani (2007)
  11. Kosovo Milaim Zuzaku (2007–08)
  12. Kosovo Refik Rexhepaj (2008)
  13. Kosovo Milaim Zuzaku (2008–09)
  14. Kosovo Bekim Isufi (2011–12)
  15. Kosovo Arbnor Morina (2012–13)[21]
  16. Kosovo Musa Selimi (2013)
  17. Kosovo Arbnor Morina (2013)
  18. Kosovo Bekim Isufi (2013–14)
  19. Kosovo Agron Selmani (2014–15)
  20. SerbiaKosovoAlbania Sadat Pajaziti (2015–16)[22]
  21. Kosovo Afrim Shahini (2014–15)
  22. Kosovo Bekim Isufi (2015–16)
  23. Bosnia and Herzegovina Amir Alagić (2016)[23]
  24. Kosovo Ismet Munishi (2016)[24]
  25. Kosovo Milaim Zuzaku (2016–17)[25]
  26. Kosovo Bekim Isufi (2017–18)[26]
  27. Albania Shpëtim Duro (2018–present)[27]

Drita in Europe

Drita competed in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the 2018–19 season, entering at the preliminary round. On 12 June 2018, in Nyon, the draw was held and Drita were drawn against the Andorran side Santa Coloma.[28][29] On 26 June 2018, Drita beat Santa Coloma at Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar and became the first Kosovar side to win a UEFA Champions League match.[30]

After being eliminated from Malmö, Drita continued to play in the second qualifying round of UEFA Europa League. On 17 July 2018, Drita learns the upcoming rival which was the champion of 2017–18 Luxembourg National Division, F91 Dudelange.[31][32]

By competition

As of 2 August 2018
Competition P W D L GF GA GD Win %
UEFA Champions League 4 2 0 2 6 6 +0 050.00
UEFA Europa League 2 0 1 1 2 3 −1 000.00
Total 6 2 1 3 8 9 −1 033.33

Matches

As of 2 August 2018
Season Competition Round Opponent Home Away Agg.
2018–19 UEFA Champions League PR Andorra Santa Coloma 2–0 (a.e.t.)
Gibraltar Lincoln Red Imps 4–1 (a.e.t.)
1Q Sweden Malmö 0–3 0–2 0–5
2018–19 UEFA Europa League 2Q Luxembourg F91 Dudelange 1–1 1–2 2–3

UEFA club coefficient ranking

As of 21 September 2018[33]
Rank Team Points Country Part
370 Moldova Tiraspol 0.250 1.550
371 Moldova Veris Chișinău 0.250 1.550
372 Kosovo Drita 1.500 0.500
373 Albania Luftëtari Gjirokastër 1.000 1.500
374 Finland SJK Seinäjoki 1.500 1.455
375 Armenia Shirak 1.500 1.050

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Historia e FC Drita" [History of FC Drita] (in Albanian). FC Drita.
  2. ↑ "Historiku" [History]. Football Federation of Kosovo. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  3. ↑ "Rreth nesh" [About us] (in Albanian). FC Drita.
  4. ↑ "Valon Murseli e Flamur Bunjaku premtojnë Drita do të shkëlqej" [Valon Murseli and Flamur Bunjaku promise the Drita will shine]. RajoniPress (in Albanian). 21 July 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Intelektualët" [Intellectuals]. Tifozat.
  6. ↑ "Rrahja ndërmjet tifozëve në derbin Drita-Gjilani [video]" [Beating between fans in derby Drita-Gjilani [video] (in Albanian). Koha Ditore. 23 August 2015.
  7. ↑ "Momenti kur makina e Intelektualëve shkelë qëllimisht Plisat dhe përleshja mes tifozëve" [The moment when the car of Intellectual intentionally violates the Plisat and the clash between the fans]. Zeri (in Albanian). Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  8. ↑ "Vetura me tabela të Gjilanit godet tifozët e Prishtinës në Pejë" [The car with vehicle plates of Gjilan strikes Pristina fans in Peja]. Indeksonline (in Albanian). Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  9. ↑ "Kosovo: new nation, fresh problems". Worldsoccer.com. James Montague. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
  10. 1 2 "Drita feston titullin e kampionit, të dytin në histori" [Drita celebrates the title of the champion, the second in history] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 20 May 2018.
  11. 1 2 "Historike: Drita e Bekim Isufit, kampione pa asnjë humbje" [Historical: Drita of Bekim Isufi, champion without any loss]. Arbresh.info (in Albanian). 20 May 2018.
  12. ↑ "Ja futbollisti me më së shumti paraqitje te Drita si dhe top-shenuesi më i mirë i gjitha kohrave?!" [Here is the player with the most appearance to Drita as well as the top goalscorer of all times?!]. Futbolli Kosovar (in Albanian). 11 August 2018.
  13. ↑ "VIDEO/Drita shkruan historinë mund Linkolnin dhe kalon në raundin tjetër kualifikues" [VIDEO/Drita writes the history can Lincoln and passes to the next qualifying round]. BalkanWeb (in Albanian). 30 June 2018.
  14. ↑ "Drita humb ndeshjen e parë ndaj Malmos" [Drita loses the first match against Malmo] (in Albanian). Kallxo. 10 July 2018.
  15. ↑ "Drita eleminohet nga Europa? Kampionët kosovar japin lajmin e madh për tifozët" [Drita is eliminated from Europe? Kosovan champions give great news for fans] (in Albanian). Kallxo. 10 July 2018.
  16. ↑ "Këto janë fanellat e Dritës për edicionin e ardhshëm" [These are the kits of Drita for the upcoming edition]. GazetaOlle (in Albanian). Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  17. ↑ "Nis ndërtimi i stadiumit në Gjilan" [Stadium construction begins in Gjilan] (in Albanian). Koha Ditore. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  18. ↑ "FC Drita (squad)". UEFA.
  19. ↑ "Java XIX: Drita – Prishtina" [Week XIX: Drita – Prishtina] (in Albanian). FC Prishtina.
  20. 1 2 "Historia interesante e Dritës kampione" [Interesting story of Drita champion]. Gazeta Sheshi (in Albanian). 21 December 2016. Në atë edicion, Dritën e kishte udhëhequr trajneri, Hysni Maxhuni, i cili kishte kryer gjithë punën. Mirëpo, në momentin final, pak javë para se të përfundonte kampionati, ai u shkarkua, derisa drejtimin e skuadës e mori Ramadan Cimili, i cili u shpall kampion
  21. ↑ "Arbnor Morina, trajner i ri i Dritës" [Arbnor Morina, new coach of Drita] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 30 November 2013.
  22. ↑ "Drita zbulon trajnerin e ri - Sadat Pajaziti" [Drita reveals the new coach - Sadat Pajaziti]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 5 February 2016.
  23. ↑ "EKSKLUZIVE: Drita me trajner boshnjak" [EXCLUSIVE: Drita with Bosnian coach]. Zeri (in Albanian). 19 September 2016.
  24. ↑ "Zyrtare: Ismet Munishi, trajner i Dritës" [Official: Ismet Munishi, the coach of Drita] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 19 October 2016.
  25. ↑ "Milaim Zuzaku flet për herë të parë si trajner i Dritës, ka premtime të mëdha" [Milaim Zuzaku talks for the first time as the coach of Drita, there are great promises]. Gazeta Olle (in Albanian). 6 April 2017.
  26. ↑ "Bekim Isufi merr drejtimin e Dritës" [Bekim Isufi takes the lead of Drita]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 5 November 2017.
  27. ↑ "Shpëtim Duro firmos me kampionët e Superligës kosovare" [Shpëtim Duro signed with champions of Kosovan Superleague] (in Albanian). Ora News. 17 September 2018.
  28. ↑ "Zyrtare: Ky është kundërshtari i Dritës në rundin preliminar për Champions" [Official: This is the opponent of Drita in preliminary round for Champions] (in Albanian). Gazeta Express. 12 June 2018. Kampioni i Kosovës, Drita e ka mësuar kundërshtarin për rundin preliminar në Ligën e Kampionëve. Drita do të përballet me kampionin e Andorrës, FC Santa Coloma (AND), raporton Gazeta Express
  29. ↑ "Hidhet shorti për Ligën e Kampionëve, Drita njeh kundërshtarin" [The draw for the Champions League. Drita knows the opponent] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 June 2018. Skuadra kampione e Kosovës, Drita ka mësuar kundërshtarin e saj në Ligën e Kampionëve, turni paraeleminator. Në total ishin 4 skuadra që merrnin pjese. Shorti i ka vendosur përballë skuadrën nga Andorra, Santa Coloma
  30. ↑ "Drita historike, fiton ndeshjen e parë në Ligën e Kampionëve" [Historic Drita, wins the first match in Champions League] (in Albanian). Gazeta Express. 26 June 2018. Kjo është fitorja e parë e një ekipi kosovar në Ligën e Kampionëve
  31. ↑ "Drita mëson rivalin e ardhshëm në arenën ndërkombëtare" [Drita learns the upcoming rival in the international arena]. Arbresh.info (in Albanian). 17 July 2018.
  32. ↑ "Drita vazhdon rrugën në Europa League" [Drita continues the way in the Europa League]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 18 July 2018.
  33. ↑ "Member associations - UEFA club coefficient ranking". UEFA.
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