The champion of the First MFL team of Shkendija begins the defense of the championship cup with a home match against Shkupi. On Friday at 17:00, the Tetovo "red and black" team opens the 2025/26 season with a duel against the team from Chair.
The coach of the champion, Jeton Beqiri, says that regardless of the opponent, he appreciates every team in the First MFL and that he wishes a successful opening of the new season, after the successful performances on the international stage, where Shkendija is in the third qualifying round and awaits the rematch against Qarabag in Baku.
"Of course, our goal in the new season is to defend the title. I believe that we have the potential and we have the playing staff to respond to the challenges both in the championship and in Europe. Tomorrow I expect a good game and to have a winning start to the new season. We respect and appreciate every opponent, there is no underestimation of anyone, we will play our game, and I hope that we will reach the goal," said Beqiri.
When asked how he expects the team to respond, considering that there were five European matches, Beqiri said:
"We are not as fresh as our opponent, because we played five matches in Europe, difficult, exhausting. That was the last one with Qarabag at home. From now on, our focus is completely on the championship, because through the championship we got here to where we got to Europe. I believe that Shkendija has about twenty quality players, three good goalkeepers, a wide roster that can successfully respond to all challenges," added the Shkendija coach.
Beqiri did not want to single out any specific competitors for the title in the new season, announcing that his team will enter each one with maximum motivation.
"I wouldn't want to single out anyone in particular. We'll see how the championship goes. There are always surprises. Each team has its own quality, its own goals and mathematics. It is important that we enter each match maximally motivated. To find desire and motivation for each match. We go step by step. We will not underestimate anyone, no matter who our opponent is. The beginnings are always difficult, so any underestimation can be costly. That is why I will demand maximum approach from the players in each match. We want to win as many points as possible in the championship, but also in Europe, in the group stage, no matter which competition we are in. In each match we have to find a way to be maximally motivated", concluded the leader of the Tetovo "red-blacks".
