KF Tomori is an Albanian football club based in the city of Berat. The club's home ground is the Tomori Stadium and they currently participate in the Kategoria e Dytë.

FK Tomori
Full nameFutboll Klub Tomori Berat
Nickname(s)Tigrat e Beratit
Mistrecët
FoundedNovember 25, 1923; 100 years ago (1923-11-25)
GroundTomori Stadium
Capacity18,900
OwnerMunicipality of Berat
ChairmanIken Dobroniku
LeagueKategoria e Dytë, Group B
2023–24Kategoria e Parë, 12th (relegated)

History

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The sport of football was introduced to the city of Berat in the early 1910s by students who had completed their studies abroad. They brought back footballs and the rules of the game from their travels which they then passed onto the locals. As early as 1913, amateur neighbourhood teams were formed, such as Çunat e Lumit, Vakëfi, Kalaja and Opinga. In 1923, an artists and sports club was founded in Berat, under the name Tomori, named after the nearby Mount Tomorr. It was established in the neighbourhood facilities of a local school called Mangalem, and the first team was formed with 18 teenage players. With the Albanian Football Association's foundation in 1930, the club participated in its first official tournament in the same year, which was the second tier of the newly established Albanian football system. Tomori won the 1930 Albanian First Division and gained promotion to the Albanian Superliga. Prior to their debut season in the top flight the club changed its name from Tomori to Muzaka in 1931, and during the 1931 season, they finished in 7th and last place with a record of 1 draw and 5 losses, which led to their relegation.[1] They returned to the Albanian First Division in 1932 where they would remain for 4 seasons. In 1935, the Albanian Football Association did not organise any competitions so the club was not active for the year. In 1936, football resumed in Albania and the club changed its name back to Tomori and finished second in the Albanian First Division, achieving promotion to the Albanian Superliga for the second time. In 1936 season, the club again finished last in the top flight, level on points with Ismail Qemali Vlorë, who they lost 2–1 to in a relegation play off held in Kavajë at the end of the season to determine Tomori's immediate relegation once again.[2]

1936–1949: KS Tomori 1950: Berati 1951–1957: Puna Berati 1957–: KS Tomori

Members of the Presidency: (1923–1926) Chairman: Zyhdi Doko Secretary: Shyqyri Lakra Other members: Lilo Xhimitiku Andon Myzeqari Vangjel Haxhistasa Alqiviadhi Shyti

In 1964, Tomori was runner-up in the Albanian Cup, losing in the final to KS Partizani.

Tomori won the Albanian First Division championship four times: in 1930, 1950, 1970, and 1977.

In 1991–1992, F.K Tomori participated in the Balkans Cup but lost on aggregate to FC Oţelul Galaţi (2:4), who went on to be runners-up of the competition.

Their first participation in European football was in the UEFA Cup 2000-01, losing 2–5 on aggregate to Cypriot team APOEL F.C.

In 2000, F.K Tomori were runners-up in the championship, losing on penalty kicks against FK Tirana with the game having finished 1–1 after extra time had been played.

Stadium

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Tomori Stadium was built in 1985 and holds 14,500 spectators. This is the third highest capacity stadium in Albania after Qemal Stafa Stadium and Loro Boriçi Stadium.[3] The stadium finally completed its renovation in early 2012, where 13,000 tickets went on sale for the first game held there. Interest was high because the last Albanian Superliga game to be held there was in 2002.[4]

Fans

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Tomori has some of the most fervent fans in Albania.

Also, Tomori have tifo-groups like Mistrecat, Berat Hooligans and Ultras Tomori.

Rivalries

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Tomori's biggest rivals are Naftëtari, with Kuçovë only 20 kilometres down the road and with fans of both clubs working together in the textile industry during the 1970s. Also Lushnja and Apolonia Fier are in a small distance from each other.[5]

Honours

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European Cups history

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2000–01 UEFA Cup

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After finishing second in the 1999–2000 season, Tomori would play for the first time against APOEL. Since that year the team has never been able to play in European competitions. Gentian Lako was the first player to score a goal for Tomori in a UEFA CUP qualifying round.

  • QR1=1st Qualifying Round
Season Competition Round Country Team Home Away Aggregate
1991–92 Balkans Cup SF   Oțelul Galați 2–0 0–4 2–4
2000–01 UEFA Cup QR1   APOEL 2–3 0–2 2–5

Recent seasons

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Year Division Position
1999-2000 Albanian Superliga (I) 2nd
2000-01 Albanian Superliga (I) 12th
2001-02 Albanian Superliga (I) 14th  
2002–03 Albanian First Division (II) 2nd
2003–04 Albanian First Division (II) 6 th
2004–05 Albanian First Division (II) 4th
2005–06 Albanian First Division (II) 6th
2006–07 Albanian First Division (II) 16th
2007–08 Albanian First Division(II) 16th  
2008-09 Albanian Second Division (III) 3rd
2009–10 Albanian Second Division(III) 2nd  
2010–11 Albanian First Division 2nd  
2011-12 Albanian Superliga (I) 10th
2012-13 Albanian Superliga (I) 12th  
2013-14 Albanian First Division (II) 4th
2014–15 Albanian First Division (II) 9th  
2015-16 Albanian Second Division (III) 1st  
2016-17 Albanian First Division (II) 5th
2017-18 Albanian First Division (II) 4th - Promotion Round
2018-19 Albanian First Division (II) 10th  
2019-20 Albanian Second Division (III) 2nd  
2020-21 Albanian First Division (II) 2nd Promotion Round
2021-22 Albanian First Division (II) 6th
2022-23 Albanian First Division (II) 4th - Promotion Round
2023-24 Albanian First Division (II)

Players

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Current squad

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As of 5 April 2024

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
GK   ALB Hermes Gjata
GK   ALB Renco Memlika
GK   ALB Bahir Mesiti
GK   ALB Divaldo Zema
DF   ALB Edmond Arëza
DF   KOS Shkambi Baruti (on loan from Partizani Tirana)
DF   ALB Elvis Gjoni
DF   ALB Kevin Hysolli (on loan from Skënderbeu Korçë)
DF   ALB Rei Lala
DF   GRE Alen Luta (on loan from Tirana)
DF   ALB Xhoel Vrapi
MF   ALB Durion Hadaj
MF   ALB Xhoi Hajdëraj
MF   ALB Sajdi Hamzai
No. Pos. Nation Player
MF   ALB Erald Hyseni
MF   ALB Oresti Kasmollari (on loan from Dinamo City)
MF   ALB Gledio Kule
MF   ALB Sali Kumani
MF   ALB Xheison Lajthia
MF   ALB Fjordi Mesiti
MF   ALB Fernando Ndrejaj
MF   ALB Jurgen Pasmaciu
FW   ALB Klejdon Arbri
FW   ALB Theodor Buda
FW   ALB Ervis Çaço
FW   ALB Marjus Kola
FW   ECU Frank Obando
FW   ALB Aldrit Oshafi

Notable players

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  Theodhor Arbëri

  Arben Arbëri

  Përparim Kovaçi

  Klodian Arbëri

  Polizoi Arbëri

  Kliton Bozgo

  James Adeniyi

  Ilirjan Çaushaj

  Myrto Uzuni

Top scorers of Albanian Superliga

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Season Player Club Goals
1980   Përparim Kovaçi Tomori 18
1987   Arben Arbëri Tomori 14
1991   Kliton Bozgo Tomori 29
2000   Klodian Arbëri Tomori 18

Coaching staff and officials

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Position Name
Manager   Klodian Arbëri
Assistant manager   Polizoi Arbëri
Goalkeeper manager   Madrit Muxhaj
Medic of club   Elton Fani
Fitness coach   Altin Allidri
Club Secretary   Ismet Ajazi

List of managers

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References

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  1. ^ Armillotta, Giovanni (2000). "ALBANIAN FOOTBALL SEASON 1931". Giovanni Armillotta. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  2. ^ Albanian Football Season 1937
  3. ^ WorldStadiums. "World Stadiums Data". Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  4. ^ 10 vite pritje, Berati në festë
  5. ^ Përparim Kovaçi, “pantera” e Beratit që u rebelua për një frigorifer - Panorama (in Albanian)