The Macedonia A national team held its first training camp ahead of the new Nations League cycle. Our national team will play four matches in League B, against Switzerland, Slovenia and Scotland.
The first challenge is the clash with Switzerland on 26 September in Skopje, followed by the away match against Slovenia on 29 September, another match against Switzerland on 6 October in Lucerne and the match against Scotland on 3 October in Skopje.
Among the first to arrive at the national team camp were the debutants, with 19-year-old Matej Gashtarov in the spotlight. The young footballer has enjoyed an excellent period in the Red Star jersey, where he managed to earn a place in the starting eleven and significant playing time. For Gashtarov, the call-up to the A national team is the fulfilment of a childhood dream. Although he admits that he did not expect it to happen so quickly, the young footballer arrives with great desire and a clear goal.
„I am very happy; I have been waiting for this since I was a child and have dreamed of it for many years. I expect to play and hope for positive results. Of course, we are going for the win regardless of who the opponent is. We have great respect for Switzerland, Scotland and Slovenia, but our team has great quality and we are going for the win. We will leave our hearts on the pitch, as is expected of this shirt,“ says Gashtarov.
His time at Red Star has been filled with hard work, which earned him a place in the starting line-up.
„I worked very hard and gave my all to be in Red Star’s starting line-up. In the end, it happened. I am ready to play in several positions; that is not a problem for me. Whatever the coach asks, I will fulfil everything expected of me. I believe in what I am doing. Did I expect all this to happen so quickly? Perhaps not, but I am always ready for such a challenge,“ adds the young international.
Anes Meliqi, the Shkëndija footballer, also received his first call-up to the A national team. For him, making his debut for the senior national team is a great honour, but also a responsibility.
„It is a privilege for me to be part of this team. We have four very difficult matches, but I think we should first focus on Switzerland. We all know what kind of opponent Switzerland is. God willing, with God’s help, we will achieve a positive result. Of course, I expect to play, and I will give my maximum in every minute the coach gives me,“ says Meliqi.
The Macedonia footballers will have their first opportunity to confirm their ambitions on 26 September, when they welcome Switzerland in Skopje.
