So the Dons have been drawn against the third best team in Macedonia. What does that mean? Is it a good draw?
Although based in Tetovo, in the Republic of Macedonia and playing in Macedonia, KF Shkëndija were formed by a group of Albanians living in the city in an attempt to bring together all the Albanians in the area.
The club was disbanded in the 1980s by the communist government due to their growing popularity within the Albanian community, however, they were welcomed back into the league when Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia and in 2011 the club won the top league in Macedonia.
Anyways, that’s enough of the history lesson. What else do we know about KF Shkëndija?
1. The Colours and nickname
The team play in red and black stripes and are rather imaginatively known as the Red and Blacks.
2. The history and residence
The club were formed in 1979 and play at the Gradski Stadium which holds 15,000.
3. The area of Macedonia
Shkendija hail from the Macedonian town of Tetovo, which boasts a population of 53,000. More than 20,000 students are educated in the town which boasts two universities.
4. A diverse area
A politically activated area, most Albanian political parties have their main seats in the city which boasts 55% Albanian and 35% Macedonian residents along with a diverse mixture of Turks, Serbs and Bosniaks.
5. The bad news…
Unfortunately Tetovo has one of the highest crime rates in the Republic of Macedonia with the Dons’ first round opponents a focal point as one of the three clubs hailing from the town.
6. The fans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaWpfCkZaN4
Shkendija is supported by the majority of Albanians who live in Tetovo and they often sing the Albanian national anthem during matches.
7. The stadium
Shkëndija share their stadium with two other teams in the area, FK Teteks and FK Renova.
8. The cuisine
Tetovo is known for its barbecue restaurants and pastry restaurants with Boza, a malt drink made from maize, a local delicacy.
9. The money
Denar is the local currency and one Denar equals 0.012p which means one pint of beer at 90 Denar will cost you roughly £1.
10. The team
Shkendija qualified for the Europa League by finishing third in the league last season but have won only one match in Europe and have never won a two-legged tie.
11. The journey
Dons supporters hoping to fly to Skopje for next week’s first leg are going to have their work cut out. A two-step trip will cost roughly £600 which is an expensive trip for a journey which will take almost 10 hours when factoring in the stops.
