Kosovo Girls' Football Team Dreams of Success

The women's football club "Dukagjini" from the town of Klina was only recently formed, but has high hopes of success.

The ninth women's football team in Kosovo, their high spirits are on display at a training session on a sunny day in Klina stadium.

One of the most promising talents of the club, Gjenifer Pjetri, has played football since an early age and dreams of playing in one a famous European team one day. "I have played football since childhood and this is all I want to do," Pjetri said.

Arianita Hoti, 22, has played in several other clubs in Albania and Kosovo but is happy to be playing with Dukagjini now.

She loves football despite the poor conditions at the club. "Football is my life so I want to continue to play even though there is little perspective for football in our country," she said.

She added that her new team had a spirit that would bring them glory.

The team coach, Hile Marleku, said that the women became interested in forming the club after winning in the Peje regional competition.

"We came first in the region, which is why I felt motivated to form the club with the support of municipality and my friends," Marleku told BIRN.

No one in the club receives a salary for playing. For the time being, the municipality supports the team with football kit and food after matches, however.

Xhevxhet Berisha, director of Dukagjini, said the establishment of another women's football team was a historic day for sport in the town.

Kristina Lazri, director of sports in Klina municipality, said the football team would be strongly supported. "I hope for positive results in tournaments," Lazri said.

On September 19th, a friendly match was organised with another women's football team, "Vizioni", from...