KF Tepelena: A Football Team from Albania
Overview of the Team
KF Tepelena is a professional football club from Albania, established in 1948. The team is based in Tepelena, a city located in southern Albania, close to the border with Greece. KF Tepelena has been participating in the Albanian football leagues for several decades, and has a loyal fan base.
The team currently competes in the Albanian Second Division, which is the second tier in the Albanian football league system. KF Tepelena has never won a major trophy in Albanian football, but has been a consistent mid-table finisher in recent years.
History of the Team
KF Tepelena was founded in 1948, after a merger between two local teams, Unioni and Kolonja. The team played its first official game on May 23, 1948, against another Albanian team, Luftetari Gjirokaster. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
In its early years, KF Tepelena struggled to establish itself in the top tier of Albanian football, and spent much of its time bouncing between the top two divisions. However, in the early 2000s, the team enjoyed a period of sustained success, finishing third in the Albanian Superliga in the 2003-04 season.
Despite this success, KF Tepelena has never won a major trophy in Albanian football. The team’s best performance in the Albanian Cup was reaching the semifinals in the 1999-2000 season, where they were eliminated by KF Tirana.
Notable Players
Over the years, KF Tepelena has produced several talented players who have gone on to play at the highest levels of Albanian football. One of the most notable players to have come through the ranks at KF Tepelena is Armando Sadiku, who played for the team in the early 2010s before moving on to play for several top Albanian clubs, as well as the Albanian national team.
Another notable player is Kristi Vangjeli, who played for KF Tepelena in the early 2000s before going on to play for several top Albanian clubs, as well as the Albanian national team.
Coaches
KF Tepelena has had a number of coaches over the years, many of whom have been former players of the team. Some of the most notable coaches in recent years include Andi Lila, who coached the team during the 2019-20 season, and Robert Gjeta, who coached the team during the 2020-21 season.
Most Successful Season
KF Tepelena’s most successful season to date was the 2003-04 season, when the team finished third in the Albanian Superliga. During that season, KF Tepelena won 13 of its 34 games, drew 10, and lost 11, finishing just behind KF Tirana and Partizani Tirana.
Owner
It is not clear who the current owner of KF Tepelena is. However, the team is believed to be owned by a group of local businessmen from Tepelena.
Stadium
KF Tepelena plays its home matches at the Tepelena Stadium, which is located in the center of the city. The stadium has a capacity of around 3,500 spectators and is used not only for football matches but also for cultural events and concerts.
Team Profile
| Team Name: | KF Tepelena |
|---|---|
| Championships Won: | None |
| Owner: | Local businessmen from Tepelena |
| City and Country: | Tepelena, Albania |
| Mascot: | None |
| Stadium: | Tepelena Stadium |
| Team URL: | http://www.kftepelena.al/ |
In conclusion, KF Tepelena may not have won any major trophies in Albanian football, but it remains an important part of the football scene in southern Albania. With a loyal fan base and a history of producing talented players, there is no doubt that KF Tepelena will continue to be a force in Albanian football for many years to come.