Overview of KF Tirana
KF Tirana is a professional football club based in the capital city of Albania, Tirana. It was founded in 1920 and has since become one of the most successful and popular football clubs in the country. The team is known for its distinctive blue and white striped jerseys, which are worn by the players during home matches.
The club has a strong reputation for nurturing young talent and has produced several top-quality players over the years, who have gone on to play for national and international teams. The team has won numerous trophies and championships throughout its history and has a loyal fan base that spans across the country.
History of the Team
KF Tirana was founded on 15 August 1920 by a group of young Albanian football enthusiasts. The team began playing its home matches at the Qemal Stafa Stadium, which was later renamed the Air Albania Stadium in 2019 after a major renovation.
Throughout its long history, KF Tirana has been involved in some of the most memorable moments in Albanian football history. The team won its first ever Albanian Superliga title in 1930 and has since gone on to win a total of 24 championships.
Notable achievements in the club’s history also include reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1985-86, where they faced off against FC Barcelona.
Notable Players and Coaches
Over the years, KF Tirana has produced several top-quality players who have gone on to represent the Albanian national team and other top-flight football clubs. Some of the most notable players to have played for the team include:
– Sokol Kushta – one of the greatest footballers in Albanian history, who played for KF Tirana from 1972 to 1987.
– Alban Bunjaku – a former Albanian international striker who played for KF Tirana from 2007 to 2009.
– Etrit Berisha – a former goalkeeper who played for KF Tirana from 2007 to 2013 and later represented the Albanian national team.
As for coaches, some of the most influential figures in KF Tirana’s history include:
– Shkëlqim Muça – a former player and coach who led KF Tirana to several championships throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
– Ilir Daja – a former Albanian international player who coached KF Tirana from 2008 to 2009 and again from 2016 to 2017.
Most Successful Season
KF Tirana’s most successful season came in 1986, when they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup. The team had a memorable run in the competition, which saw them overcome several top European teams, including Partizan Belgrade, Legia Warsaw, and Kuusysi Lahti.
They eventually faced off against FC Barcelona in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten 2-1 in the first leg in Tirana. In the return leg in Barcelona, KF Tirana put up a brave fight but ended up losing 2-0.
Owner, Stadium and Mascot
KF Tirana is owned by the Albanian businessman Refik Halili, who acquired the club in 2017. The team plays their home matches at the Air Albania Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 22,500 and is located in the heart of the capital city.
The team does not have an official mascot, but their logo features a white eagle, which is a symbol of pride and strength in Albanian culture.
Team Profile
| Team Name: | KF Tirana |
|---|---|
| Championships Won: | 24 Albanian Superliga titles, 16 Albanian Cups |
| Owner: | Refik Halili |
| City: | Tirana |
| Stadium: | Air Albania Stadium, Tirana |
| Team URL: | https://kftirana.al/ |
Overall, KF Tirana is a highly respected and successful football club in Albania, with a long and storied history that has seen them achieve great things both at home and abroad. With a talented squad and loyal fan base, the team looks set to continue making waves in Albanian football for many years to come.