As The New Saints prepare to face KF Feronikeli in the Champions League first qualifying round next week, we’ve taken an in-depth look at the Champions League debutants.
Scott Ruscoe’s team will host the first leg against the Kosovans on July 9, before travelling to the Rexhep Rexhepi Stadium a week later (July 16) for the second leg.
By virtue of winning the Welsh Premier League, the Oswestry outfit were placed into the first qualifying round, while their opponents had to come through two games in the preliminary round.
So what can The New Saints expect when they square off for the first time at Park Hall next week?
Key Info
KF Feronikeli are the current champions of the Football Superleague of Kosovo or IPKO Superliga, the highest tier in the country.
Nicknamed The Black Tigers, Feronikeli was formed in 1974 as simply “Nikeli”.
In that time they have won eight major domestic titles, all of which have come in the last six years.
They are managed by former Macedonian defender Zekirija Ramadani, who oversaw the club’s title-winning 2018/19 season.
Stadium
Feronikeli play their home games at the Rexhep Rexhepi Stadium in Glogovac, situated in the centre of Kosovo.
It is named after the club’s former captain, who fought for the Kosovo Liberation Army in the Kosovo War before being killed by Serbian forces in 1999.
The ground is a multi-purpose arena with a seated capacity of approximately 6,000.
Both the field and the clubhouse were renovated a few years ago, allowing the stadium to be approved by UEFA for European competition.
European Competition
Feronikeli qualified for the UEFA Champions League Preliminary round for the first time this season after winning their domestic league.
Due to the country’s UEFA Coefficient, they were subsequently placed into the preliminary round alongside three other teams.
They faced Lincoln Red Imps – a previous opponent of TNS – in the semi-final round. A goal in the third minute from Riza Hoti was enough to see them through.
They then took on FC Santa Coloma, who defeated Tre Penne in the other semi-final, for a place in the first qualifying round.
The Kosovans went a goal down early in the second half, but were able to equalise just before the hour mark.
Then, with just three minutes left to play, they netted what would prove to be the winning goal.
Ones to watch
Jean Carioca
A Brazilian attacking midfielder, Carioca managed 11 goals and five assists for the club last season, and is an integral player.
One of only four non-Kosovan players in the side, Carioca possesses that South American flair that is expected of him.
He has the ability to score from range and is a very versatile player who can play anywhere in midfield or across the forward line.
Katriot Rexha
The club’s main goal threat is Katriot Rexha, who scored 22 goals in 29 appearances last season.
He also scored in Feronikeli’s 2-1 win against FC Santa Coloma in the final round of preliminary matches in June.
It made the 30-year-old striker the Superleague’s top scorer last season by nine goals, and he is by far the most clinical player in the side.
Yll Hoxha
At left back is Yll Hoxha who registered nine assists in 32 appearances in the 2018/19 season..
The defender has great crossing ability which means TNS will have to be wary of his threat from wide areas and balls into the box.
Florjan Smakiqi
The Kosovo under-21 international appeared in 27 games for the club last campaign and kept a very impressive 17 clean sheets.
While he didn’t feature in either of the club’s Champions League Qualifying games, it is likely that the young keeper will make an appearance against The New Saints.
(Featured image:
Brian Jones)
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