Republikaliga Season IV: Preview
1828 POMEN
Colours: Black and white
Manager: Noel Senefelder
Nickname: The Owls
Stadium: Pomen-Gemeindepark (22,000)
Season Preview: Pomen were second place in the second division last year, earning them their first crack at the Republikaliga. Pomen claim to be the oldest club in the nation, as represented through the club’s name. Humble beginnings have contributed to a humble lifetime, however, and the club has never won a top division title or a Cup. The Owls this season are a team that have the potential to be very exciting. There are some interesting prospects on the team that led the way for them last year, such as Julian Waltz, Michael Ebner and Rafael Mesmer. Mesmer in particular received some interest from other Republikaliga clubs this offseason, but chose to remain at least one more year at his boyhood club. The goal for Pomen is to avoid relegation, and to do it through fast, attacking football.
The Club: Pomen is a small town just north of St. Jakob that is both modern and traditional at the same time. The town is now mainly populated by commuters heading into the big city for work, but its older downtown core and spectacular Cathedral retain its charm. Pomen the club resembles the city, with the claim to fame of being the oldest club in the nation matched with its modern brand of football. The Owls have become a neutral’s dream; the small club coming up against the big boys and often coming out on top. A friendly rivalry exists with FC St. Jakob, but beyond that, there are no real derby days. Everyone will be hoping for Pomen to make some noise in the division this year, except when it is their club at risk of an upset.
1912 STELBURG
Colours: Blue and white
Manager: Sebastien Hengsbach
Nickname: The Bluebirds
Stadium: 1912-Stadion (31,000)
Season Preview: There’s a lot of excitement around the 1912-Stadion these days, as perhaps the best 1912 team ever assembled (on paper, at least) looks to get on with the season. Starting at the back, defence has always been a strength of this club and it continues now. Raphael Klopfer is the best centre back in the division, and his leadership and skill have always been a major asset. Lutz Daschner, another national team player, is a powerful, pacy wing back that contributes so much to the team. The midfield got two major upgrades this summer from the transfer window. First, the club shocked many by signing Kelssek international Adrian Tremblay-Fillon, a hard-working, technically skilled central midfielder. He’s a very bright talent, and 1912 fans are hoping he will shine this year. Then, the club made another huge splash by signing Jasno Odonelec to play in the number 10 role. ‘Le fantome,’ as he was nicknamed at former club Clichy, is technically strong, physically confident and a great playmaker. 1912 Stelburg will be a force to be reckoned with in the division this season. If a weak spot remains, it would be at the forward position. Elias Eicke is a quality forward, but is not on the same level as the forwards present at other title challenging clubs such as Krasimir Kynev or Michael Ribbeck. There’s a very, very strong possibility that it could be time for celebration, finally, at the 1912-Stadion at the end of this season.
The Club: 1912 Stelburg have always been one of the most community-driven clubs in the Republikaliga. They are based in the old East End of the city, once home to the Sansoussi palace that is displayed on their badge. Now, however, East Stelburg is often made up of lower-class neighbourhoods. 1912 are heavily involved in community development projects, and supporting local causes. The Bluebirds have many supporters across the city of Stelburg as well, but are still outnumbered by rivals Teussen. The club’s nickname comes from its colours, light blue and white, that reminded supporters of a type of bird that is often seen in Stelburg. The main derby match is, of course, against FC Teussen Stelburg, and the Stelburg Derby is a great spectacle.
ENERGIJA CHERNOVETS
Colours: Green and yellow
Manager: Apostol Manevski
Nickname: The Canaries, The Atoms
Stadium: Energija-Arena (34,000)
Season Preview: The Chernovets boys are hoping for consistency this season. Energija are arguably one of the most talented, strong teams in the Republikaliga, but ever since the inaugural season’s title campaign, they haven’t kept it all together. A horrible second half of the second season and first half of the third saw them nearly miss out on UICA football twice, after being the first Republikaliga club to reach the UICA Globe Cup group stage. They’re back in that Globe Cup tournament this year as well, and are hoping to match their previous strong performance. Key players like Miro Dinev and Viktor Dimitrov are still the heart of this team, but the main question that will be asked about this team is its age. Do Chernovets still have what it takes to challenge for the title, or is it time to move on? They were not active in the summer transfer window, other than the failed pursuit of Cosumarite winger Richard Pearce, and the only major change expected to the team is the breakthrough of midfielder Vsevolod Hristov. Hristov is a strong, powerful midfielder who will hopefully serve to strengthen the midfield.
The Club: Chernovets isn’t exactly our nation’s most beautiful city. Best known for the nuclear energy facilities in its immediate vicinity, it is commonly stereotyped as a city with grey buildings and grey skies. There isn’t much to do in a town mainly populated by those employed in military and science fields at the nuclear sites, and thus the football club has become the biggest show in town. Fans flock to the Energija-Arena each weekend to see their heroes, who have become one of the nation’s proudest and strongest clubs. The club’s nickname is commonly the Canaries, due to the green and yellow colours of their shirts. Another nickname is the Atoms, taken from the nuclear connection. Chernovets’ closest rivals are the Bukovets clubs who were each relegated last year, but they have also built a fierce competitive rivalry with Olympia Borograd in recent years.
FC EINHEIT MARNAU
Colours: Red and white
Manager: Alexander Waldgren
Stadium: Marnaustadion (28,000)
Nickname: The Roses
Season Preview: FC Einheit Marnau had a memorable first season in the Republikaliga last year, and are hoping to build on that this season. Youngsters Linus Segert and Banquo Chrysler both had strong years of their own, and that combined with a good scoring record from the forwards allowed them to finish in 18th place and reach the relegation play-off. A 4-1 aggregate win over TSV Georg-Blocher ensured their survival, and now Marnau will hope to avoid a sophomore slump. They have the potential to consolidate themselves in the division this year, and will be relying on Segert and Chrysler to continue to perform to do so. The Roses are hoping that they will confirm their place in the Republikaliga again this season.
The Club: Marnau is a small town located on the outskirts of metropolis St. Jakob, and has a strong sense of community. That sense is on display even in the football club’s name, with ‘einheit’ meaning unity. Marnau had, however, traditionally been a lower-level club before their surprise promotion to the Republikaliga. Historically a favoured underdog, that all changed last year, and the club is hoping the culture has changed permanently. The club’s nickname, the Roses, comes from the rose red colours of their uniform. Marnau’s local rival would be FC St. Jakob, but derby matches are not as fierce as many in this country.
FC FELSENKIRCHEN 1879
Colours: Navy and white
Manager: Ralph Kislinger
Stadium: Felsenkirchen-Arena (35,000)
Nickname: The Blues, The Cogs
Season Preview: For Felsenkirchen, it’s another season of cautious optimism from fans. Will they finally get back to the glory they experienced for the first, well, 15 games of the inaugural season? What is the real Felsenkirchen team? Fans of the Blues will be relying on Thorsten Helmke, national team right back, Ferenc Kubala, who had a strong debut season last year and attackers Rolf Seyfried and Mario Pfitzner to get the job done. The areas of concern for Felsenkirchen remain, however, and if Johannes Mandl cannot find the back of the net, goals will likely dry up. Wilfried Romberg is also still a young keeper prone to some errors, and will need to be at his best for Felsenkirchen to do as well as they are hoping. Overall, a mid-table finish is likely for the Blues.
The Club: Felsenkirchen is the largest city in northern Teusland, and is located on the coast of the Nordsee. It has become an important commercial and naval port for the nation, and is in fact the fourth largest city in the nation. FC Felsenkirchen 1879 have become the main club in the city, with many in both the metro area and northern Teusland as a whole throwing their support behind the club. Felsenkirchen supporters are considered some of the best away fans in the league, with their fans loud and proud wherever they go. The club’s main nickname is the Blues, coming from their dark blue shirts, but also sometimes the Cogs, a reference to the naval ship once seen so often in the city’s port. The club’s biggest rival by far is FC Rotmunde 1932, with whom they compete the Northeastern Derby, and this is perhaps one of the fiercest in the nation. Rotmunde is an hour’s drive away, and the fact that the clubs have often been at the same level has contributed to the rivalry. Another rival is 1884 Felsenkirchen, but this derby is not near the same level as the Rotmunde match.
FC KAISERHAVEN
Colours: Blue and yellow
Manager: Thomas Wietars
Stadium: Kaiserhaven-Stadion (40,000)
Nickname: The Admirals
Season Preview: It’s time for Kaiserhaven to finally overcome their identity of underachieving this season, according to manager Thomas Wietars. The club is perfectly capable of challenging for a UICA position, with national team star Paulus Leistner, strong playmaker Jean-Alain Huot and pacy winger Ingolf Rosen leading an attacking midfield trio that is among the best in the division. Banijan forward Kabir Jobateh joins the club as well, a player who once finished third at the Di Bradini Cup with his national team, and it is hoped that he will be very capable of leading the line.Herman Nieuwland, the Audioslavian youngster, also makes his break into the first team this year which should give some rejuvenation to a midfield that was aging. One area of concern is the defence, which has somehow always seemed to let down the Admirals in the end. If a more disciplined performance can remain throughout all 38 matches, however, Kaiserhaven could have a season to remember.
The Club: Kaiserhaven is the nation’s southern port, located where the River Edlin meets the Wilhelmsee. It’s the nation’s 6th largest city, and is an area of the country that is still developing. Southern Teusland came into the old Empire much later, and thus is not as built up as most of the country is. Thus, Kaiserhaven doesn’t really have any local competition for support, and the club are the biggest of the south coast. Kaiserhaven have always been joked about, however, by other clubs for their tendency to underachieve, and also as a result of regionalism in Teusland. This has created a fanbase that is resilient and strong, taking defeat in its stride. They also have some of the nation’s best away supporters. The club’s nickname, the Admirals, come from the city’s status as a major naval base. The club have no real local rival, but matches with FC Teussen Stelburg are always interesting; as they are for any Teus club.
FC ROTMUNDE 1932
Colours: Red and black
Manager: Timo Felder
Stadium: Rotmunde-Stadion (37,000)
Nickname: The Islanders
Season Preview: Rotmunde’s season last year ended with them just missing out on UICA football, and this season it is hoped that they can get one step closer to that dream. That hope starts from the back, where Erich Thierse and Goetxea Shimizu have formed a formidable centre back pairing throughout their career together so far. Thierse has been capped 9 times by the national team in response to his great development. In the midfield, club legend Marius Starker moved on from the club, so Banijan young winger Nwabudike Ugonna was brought in to replace him. Raimund Noffke and Vinzenz Spies are capable players beside him who will also help in any success for Rotmunde. Up front, Theodor Aberbach proved he was certainly still capable of playing at the highest level last year, and the target man is hoping that he will stay on form this year. Slightly behind him is Max Koehler, a true poacher who managed 16 goals last season. If all goes well, Rotmunde have a strong squad that should easily be able to challenge for UICA qualification.
The Club: Rotmunde is the largest city on the island of the same name, which is located just off the northeastern coast of the country. The city itself is perched high up on the cliffs, and views at the Rotmunde-Stadion often overlook the Nordsee. Rotmunde as a city is often viewed as more working-class, and its supporters often fit that description. The club’s nickname, the Islanders, comes from their identity as the club from Rotmunde Island. The biggest rivalry is, of course, the Northeastern Derby with Felsenkirchen. These two clubs do not like each other at all, and tensions run high on matchday. While Felsenkirchen were generally the more historically successful club, in the modern era Rotmunde are currently better, and their fans are loving every minute of it.
FC ST. JAKOB
Colours: Red and white
Manager: Hermann Frenz
Stadium: Draistadion (60,000)
Nickname: The Saints
Season Preview: The slogan of FC St. Jakob has been, for a few years now, ‘watch the future.’ This is a reference to the transitional phase the club has been in as they develop new young players to lead the team forward. Leo Heiden, Erwin Bahnsen and now Ronald Wenz, Starblaydi midfielder Giorgos Dimitriou and Mytanar young centre back Dino Racic, bought this summer, have been part of this process. Some fans are asking, however, when does it end? When will St. Jakob be challenging for the title again? The new Draistadion was completed this summer in time for the season start, and now seats 60,000 fans. Supporters were hoping that this would be the year they return to the very top of things, however, it seems that another year of the process is on the horizon. This FCSJ team are still developing, but when they reach their potential they will be a force in the division. If the spark comes this year, other teams will need to be prepared.
The Club: St Jakob is the largest city in Siovanija and Teusland, yet FCSJ is the city’s only major club. Historically, there were clubs representing each of the districts of the metropolis, but eventually they all came together under the single banner of FC St. Jakob. As to be expected of a club in the nation’s largest city, it has a tradition of success, but in recent years have been redeveloping the club’s image. A new stadium was just completed, the most modern in the Republikaliga and tied for largest with the Olimpski-Stadion in Borograd. It’s likely that the new Draistadion will be used for national team games in the future. FC St. Jakob, like their city, are seeking to define themselves as a modern, cosmopolitan football club, and are poised for a strong future in the Republikaliga. The club’s nickname, the Saints, comes from the name of the city and club, St. Jakob. There are no other major teams in the city that can be called rivals, but FC Einheit Marnau and VfB Reinbronn are each located near the city. The closest thing St. Jakob have to a derby is with FC Teussen Stelburg, pitting the more modern, bigger St. Jakob against the older, more imperial city of Stelburg.
FC TEUSSEN STELBURG
Colours: Gold and black
Manager: Kaspar Knauer
Stadium: Teussens-Arena (44,000)
Nickname: The Nationals, Teussen
Season Preview: It’s rare that Teussen fans are worried about an upcoming season, but this is one of those cases. The squad that was left far behind by Olympia Borograd last season has been nearly unchanged, while rivals such as 1912 Stelburg and SW Stahlberg have strengthened. Manuel Horn remains a question mark at centre forward, and for a second straight summer the club failed to acquire top target Ludwig Reichwein. Thorsten Kramer is obviously still a major difference maker for the club, and perhaps now that Ivo Romanov is gone the undisputed best player in the league. Another thing Teussen fans are optimistic about is the debut of Karl-Heinz Jager. The young centre back has been massively hyped for the last several years as the future of both Teussen and the national team’s defence, and led Teussen’s youth team to the best defensive record in the J. Republikaliga last year. He is calm and confident on the ball, and at 19 years old already is capable of leading a backline. He was an integral part of Siovanija and Teusland’s Quarterfinal run at the AOCAF. It’s an interesting year for Teussen, as many people seem to be counting them out of the title race. Maybe that is just what they need to push on and win it again, or perhaps the doubters will be proven right.
The Club: If any team could be described as the ‘biggest’ in this nation, that honour would likely fall to FC Teussen Stelburg. Winners over and over again, the boys in gold and black were the most feared team in the nation for a very long time. Nowadays, Teussen are still giants, and have finished no lower than 3rd in the new Republikaliga. The club’s traditional support base was western and central Stelburg, but really, Teussen fans can be found almost anywhere in Teusland. No Siovanijan would dare support them, however. Teussen are a club with strong heritage roots in Teusland alone, and as club policy do not sign players from Siovanija or abroad. This has been criticized by other clubs and even some of the team’s own supporters, and in the new modern age of the Republikaliga it remains to be seen how long it will last. The club are mainly nicknamed and referred to in everyday speech as ‘Teussen’, but another nickname is the Nationals, taken from their gold-black colours (national colours of Teusland) and those strong patriotic roots. In terms of rivalries, there are so many it is difficult to list. 1912 Stelburg are the main historic rivals, with the clubs contesting the Stelburg Derby. FC St. Jakob are another rival, a clash between differing cities each representing different values in the new Republic. Almost any team from Teusland considers a match with Teussen to be incredibly important due to the club’s history of excellence. But most Teussen fans consider their biggest rivals to be Olympia Borograd, in what is referred to as the National Derby. Olympia are Teussen’s equivalent in Siovanija, the biggest club with a rich history. Thus, the clubs compete to be the nation’s #1, and in addition old animosity between Siovanija and Teusland often comes through on derby day. It is not a game for the faint of heart, and in recent years has seen some great matches.
FK METROPOLA BOROGRAD
Colours: Purple and white
Manager: Sretan Ivanov
Stadium: Metropola-Stadion (49,000)
NIckname: The Mets
Season Preview: The Sretan Ivanov era is officially underway at the Metropola-Stadion, and Metropola fans are hopeful their club can finally reach the heights they have been promised so often. A team with the likes of Viktor Venev, Lyubomir Dimitrov and Anton Dimitrov should be able to finish higher than 8th as they did last season, and Ivanov agrees. He’s changed the formation up, with the team now looking to use a diamond 4-4-2 formation. George t’son d’Haxli, who had a solid debut year last year, is going to be relied upon as an important playmaker this season as well. The Mets also bought Qusmi defensive midfielder Jerat-Jonto Jan. The player, who has already been nicknamed ‘JJJ’ by supporters, is a physical force in midfield, and they are willing to step up to any challenge presented. That’s just the edge Metropola needs, after years of perhaps crumbling under adversity. There’s hope around Borograd that this year, finally, Metropola has what it takes to return to UICA football and perhaps even challenge for the title.
The Club: FK Metropola Borograd are located in the capital city of our nation, and largely draw their support in the downtown core of central Borograd, also extending into some of the western suburbs. The boys in purple are very similar to 1912 Stelburg in terms of community involvement, as they come from a very similar background. Thus, Metropola and 1912 have become quite friendly with each other, each set of fans often enjoying away day trips. Metropola have been a major force in community revitalization projects on Borograd’s downtown East Side, which was once a rundown area transforming now to a new life. Metropola have a reputation of lower-class origins in the city of Borograd, but have still developed into one of the most popular, healthiest clubs in the nation. The club are usually called the Mets by their fans, but another nickname is the Violets, coming from the purple colour of their shirts. There is no match more important to Metropola supporters than the Borograd Derby, the contest with Olympia Borograd. It’s a game that has seen its fair share of violence in the past, and much to the disappointment of Metropola fans, their club has not performed all too well in recent years. These groups of supporters are not friendly whatsoever, and the match has been described as the second fiercest in the nation, behind only the Pomorie/Marzig Derby.
FK POMORIE
Colours: Red and black
Manager: Demitar Zherkov
Stadium: Pomorie-Arena (32,000)
Nickname: The Guards
Season Preview: The last transfer window was a real question mark for FK Pomorie fans, and they seem to have made it through untouched. Despite plenty of interest from foreign clubs, Anatoli Sveteikov decided to spend at least one more year at his hometown club. Rumoured interest from Olympia Borograd in Ivo Ilev never developed, and thus both star men stay at the club. Pomorie are hoping again to avoid relegation, and consolidate a position in the Republikaliga. Another major aim is to win the Pomorie-Marzig Derby, perhaps the most important part of any season. Pomorie fans will be hoping that the one season they spent in the 2. Republikaliga was a complete anomaly, and that they will be in the top division for good.
The Club: Founded at a time when ethnic conflict dominated the city of Pomorie, the football club quickly came to symbolize the Siovanijan community of the city. The city of Pomorie (also known as Marzig) is split 50% Siovanijan and 50% Teus, and dispute over which nation should rule the city helped sparked the Great Civil War (1890-95) between Siovanija and Teusland. The club remains at the forefront of the Siovanijan community in the city, and many of its supporters are drawn from the west side. The club’s nickname, the Guards, comes from a famed infantry regiment in the Siovanijan Army during the Civil War that was given the name the ‘Guards of Pomorie.’ There is only one rival that can be named here, as every other match is insignificant. The match with TSV Marzig, the cross-town neighbours, is the most violent, intense and important derby match in the nation. Police have ensured that the game is not as filled with hooligans as it once was, and tickets for the match come at extremely high prices. A seat in the away end in modern times requires a police background check, and if anything political has happened in the city in recent days, away fans may be banned. This tension means that the football on display is some of the highest quality in the nation, however, as both sides are absolutely desperate to win.
FK VLAIKOGRAD 1896
Manager: Veslin Patanov
Stadium: Jezera-Stadion (34,000)
Nickname: The Lakers, The Royals
Colours: Purple and yellow
Season Preview: Problems could be on the horizon here for FK Vlaikograd 1896 this year. Last season the team’s offence dried up, as they only scored 58 goals while conceding 80. Then, in the offseason, the team’s talisman Varban Spasov was sold to Turoki United of the Vilitan league. That certainly caused worry in the minds of Vlaikograd fans, and moves were swiftly made to replace him. Miladin Kochanov, who made a few appearances last season and looked up to par, will come into the first team squad. In addition, the Pasargan youngster Bendegúz Kádár was acquired on a free transfer, and will start at right wing. Kadar is a tall, powerful winger who seems to have a playstyle matching the league well. Kelssek young international goalkeeper Cathal Gallagher was also purchased this offseason, and can expect to earn starts in some league and most cup matches this year. The plan, according to manager Patanov, is for him to be the starting goalkeeper at the club by next season. A lot of pressure is on the squad to maintain Vlaikograd’s status in the Republikaliga, and that is a goal they should certainly be able to achieve this year.
The Club: Vlaikograd is a city located in northwestern Siovanija, in the Great Lakes region of that Republic. It was once the primary hub of Siovanija, home of both commerce and government. After the Great Civil War, however, it lost its place to Borograd, which eventually became capital of the United Republics. Vlaikograd is a city similar to Stelburg in feel, both accepting modernity while still seeming like a relic of a long-gone past. FK Vlaikograd 1896 are the biggest club in both Vlaikograd and the Great Lakes region, and despite usually being a midtable club draw wide support from across Siovanija. The club’s main nickname is the Lakers, coming from the city’s location in the Lake Country, and are also sometimes referred to as the Royals due to their purple colour scheme. Vlaikograd’s biggest rivals would be second division neighbours Zvezda Vlaikograd, but games with both Borograd teams, Metropola and Olympia, are always of particular interest for Vlaikograd supporters.
MARLESEE 97
Colours: Blue and white
Manager: Magnus Herschlag
Stadium: Marlebucht-Energie Arena (30,000)
Nickname: The Blues, The Sea Lions
Season Preview: Marlesee 97 will be a team to watch in the Republikaliga this year. The squad remains unchanged from the team that finished 17th in the division last year, yet are also the team that finished 8th just two seasons ago. Exactly which version of Marlesee we get is unknown. If Ingolf Kruger and Yannick Lange, unquestionably the two talisman of attack for the Blues, can get going it will see them return to what is generally regarded as their traditional territory of mid-table, or perhaps even higher. Areas of question remain, up front. Marlesee scored only 36 goals last year, 2nd worst in the league. That is a stat that will have to change if Marlesee are to finish higher up the table, and Werner Schott will be counted on to hopefully return to form this year.
The Club: Located along the Nordsee coast of Teusland just 50km from the frontier with Siovanija, Marlesee 97 are a club with a great support base in their own city. The town most known for its cold temperatures rather than anything else is electric on matchday, with the whole town seeming to be draped in blue and white. They’ve never seemed to have luck on their side, however, and misfortunes come one after another. Marlesee fans are hoping that that will finally be over soon. The club’s main nickname is the Blues, coming from the colour of their shirts, but they are also commonly referred to as the Sea Lions, that being an animal frequently seen in the harbour of the city. The club’s closest rival would be the other club in town, VfB Marlesee, but this is a relationship more between brothers than enemies. A small rivalry exists with FC Felsenkirchen 1879, who also are nicknamed the Blues and are also from the north coast, but this is quite one-sided, mostly from Marlesee supporters. The club also has a small rivalry with TSV Marzig, with Marzig being the closest Republikaliga club. Again, however, it is mostly one-sided as Marzig are much more concerned with enemies Pomorie. Thus, Marlesee have no true rivals, and thus are often a favourite ‘underdog’ team in the league.
OLYMPIA BOROGRAD
Colours: Green and white
Manager: Ludmil Strashilov
Stadium: Olympski-Stadion (60,000)
Nicknames: The Greens
Season Preview: Olympia Borograd enter season 4 of the Republikaliga as defending Champions, with the highest point total ever earned by any club in the league’s history. It was the perfect farewell to club legend Ivo Romanov, who became the most well-known player from our nation to transfer overseas, joining Brenecian league champions Rozelle. That meant that Olympia would enter the transfer market to replace him, and all indications show they’ve done a good job so far. Qasden national team captain Icarus Darsten decided to join the club, a major statement of intent from the Borograd boys. Darsten adds to a midfield already containing national team destroyer Vladimir Kostov, a duo that could be the best in the Republikaliga. Aleksander Lukonov, who put up 12 goals last season for relegated FK Raketa Bukovets, was also bought by the club, slotting in at Romanov’s old number 11 position. Olympia still have a very, very good squad, and are hoping to challenge for the title again. It’s unlikely they can reach 82 points again in what will be perhaps the most competitive title race yet, but look for Olympia to be in the running right till the end. The club will also be participating the UICA Champion’s Cup, and hope to have success on that massive international stage as well.
The Club: Olympia Borograd have always been Siovanija’s number one club. Champions or challengers nearly every year in the old separate Republic leagues, Olympia built a legendary legacy of success. In the Republikaliga too, they’ve been eager to continue that legend. Other than a down year in the first season, they have finished 2nd and 1st. That title win was done with the most points in like history, a remarkable 82. Right now, Olympia can boast national team stars Krasimir Kynev, Yanko Zhelyaskov and Vladimir Kostov among their ranks, as well as the captain of Qasden’s national team Icarus Darsten. This is a squad used to success, and their fans expect it of them. They draw support everywhere inside the boundaries of Siovanija, but are of course concentrated at home in the suburbs of Borograd. The club’s nickname are the Greens, coming from the dark green shirts and shorts the club have worn throughout their history. The club has two main rivalries, which are the Borograd Derby match with cross-town enemies FK Metropola Borograd. This game has a history of fan troubles, as seen at the end of last season when Olympia defeated their rival 5-1. There is nothing Olympia supporters like better than beating Metropola, and the reverse is true. The National Derby contests with FC Teussen Stelburg are another heated match-up, as the historic big clubs from each Republic go head-to-head in a match that often heats up due to nationalist sentiment. Last season, the teams traded blow-outs, with Olympia defeating Teussen 5-0 in the first match-up, and Teussen returning the favour with the exact same scoreline later on in the season. This year’s clashes should be interesting, and are always eagerly awaited. A competitive rivalry has also been brewing in recent years with SW Stahlberg, after a tension-filled match between the teams ended in a 3-3 draw, 14 arrests and a suspension to Stahlberg’s Paul Schorner after punches were thrown in the tunnel following the game. Matches with Energija Chernovets are also usually fun, with Chernovets in recent years having challenged Olympia for the title of Siovanija’s team.
RUDAR TRKEV
Colours: Grey and red
Manager: Veselin Bachev
Stadium: Trkev-Arena (25,000)
Nickname: The Greys
Season Preview: Rudar Trkev were once the surprise team of the Republikaliga, finishing 5th and seeing Veselin Bachev named Manager of the Year. That was some time ago now, however, and the club managed to avoid the drop last season by only 5 points. Rudar are a side that play quick football, and are one of the lower-table teams that retain an offensive style matching that of much of the league. That’s centred around Evgeni Bakalov, who was an offensive key for the team during that 5th place finish season, and is really the only reason Trkev managed to stay up last year. Iliya Karapetrov had a disappointing year last year, the widely praised young left back just a bit off the pace. This year, Trkev will be hoping for a bounce back season from him and much of the team. Joining the attack also is young Nepharim winger Cezary Helmuth, described as a dynamic and pacy winger that can cause problems for defences. He’s still a raw talent, but Trkev believe he can contribute immediately. This team are better than last year’s finish would suggest, but at the same time aren’t likely to come 5th again. Look for a midtable finish from the Greys this year.
The Club: Trkev is a town on the southern coast of Siovanija with a mine, a port and not much else. It’s often a target of mockery by other towns in the Republic for its boring reputation, and if we must be honest, they often come quite close to the target. Rudar Trkev are thus one of the main forms of entertainment in town, along with a somewhat successful professional hockey team. Rudar fill the 25,000 seat Trkev-Arena whenever they play at home, and are often praised for bringing a small-town feel to the league. Rudar are nicknamed the Greys as a result of their grey coloured kits. The club’s biggest rivals are FK Orlovska Bistrica, a competitive rivalry between clubs that are usually around the same level. Orlovska Bistrica are currently languishing in the 2. Republikaliga, however, and will thus need to earn promotion if this rivalry is to return. The closest local team are Vrnovo Mesto, somewhat of a Southern derby, but there is not much history between the teams to create a fierce atmosphere.
SV PREISFELD
Colours: Black and yellow
Manager: Walter Kippel
Stadium: SV-Arena (31,000)
Nicknames: The Bees
Season Preview: Preisfeld make their return to the Republikaliga after a season away, having been champions of the 2. Republikaliga last season with 73 points. Walter Kippel’s boys are back, and they have the same backline as they did last time out. The hope is obviously that a more experienced defence corp, which shipped 32 goals in the admittedly lower scoring second division, will be able to hold on in the Republikaliga. Further up, Preisfeld should bring some excitement to the league with several fast, young talents. Mario Kogler is perhaps the best of these, a strong and fast winger who dominated the 2. Republikaliga last year. The goal for the Bees will be to avoid relegation, a task they should be capable of achieving.
The Club: Preisfeld is best known as the midway point between Stelburg and St. Jakob along the main highway and railway systems through Teusland. Still a decently sized city, Preisfeld is a bit bigger than several other cities in its region, and is a hub of commerce for the area. The city is rapidly growing, and the hope is that the football club will match its pace. Back into the top division this year, SV Preisfeld certainly has a chance of staying there. On the pitch, the club have traditionally been back and forth between the divisions, and are hoping the stay in the Republikaliga this time will be longer. The club are affectionately known as the Bees due to the colours of their kit, black and yellow. The club’s nearest rival are VfL Reinbronn, and while the two clubs don’t like each other very much, it is not as intense as some other rivalries in the nation.
SW STAHLBERG
Colours: Grey and black
Manager: Gerd Hennig
Stadium: Stahlarbeiter-Union Arena (35,000)
Nickname: The Miners
Season Preview: This is a scary, scary SW Stahlberg team. For the last few years, the team have been competing right at the top of the Republikaliga, led by young phenom Michael Ribbeck. Questions were asked, however, if the supporting cast at the back and in midfield would be enough to to win a league title. Those questions look so strange now, looking down this Stahlberg squad. In midfield, Lutz von Bergen has become a key player for the national team, while Andreas Wentzel came alive during last year’s President’s Cup championship run. In between those two, Stahlberg boast John Ferry. The Schottic midfielder won the Pasargan league title and was once listed amongst the ‘Galacticos’ rankings as one of the top players in the world. He will be one of the best players in the league this season. At the back, Paul Schorner has himself earned a few national team caps, while Karsten Lichtwark remains the calm, collected captain of the team. Beside him, Jonas Breukelen broke into the Audioslavia squad for World Cup 81, and is set to be a mainstay in the first team this season. This is a great Stahlberg squad that are if not title favourites, certainly going to be in contention. Fresh off a President’s Cup win last season, there’s no reason why Stahlberg cannot go all the way and become league champions.
The Club: Stahlberg is a city perched high up in the Mittelgebirge that separate the west and eastern halves of the country, and thus the republics of Siovanija and Teusland. The number one industry in the town by far is the mines, which almost everyone living in the town are related to in some way. Even the club, SW (Stahlwerke) Stahlberg are owned by the Miner’s Union in town. There is thus a great relationship between club and community, and the attractive attacking football played by the team under manager Gerd Hennig has lead them to become one of the Republikaliga’s finest. The club’s nickname are the Miners, quite obviously given based around the culture of the city they call home. There are no real local rivals, but competitive rivalries have developed with Olympia Borograd and FC Teussen Stelburg. The Olympia rivalry dates back to a fiery 3-3 draw 2 seasons ago, while the President’s Cup Final of last season between Stahlberg and Teussen should set the stage for future fireworks when they face off.
TSV MARZIG
Colours: White and blue
Manager: Max Schillinger
Stadium: Vest-Marlebucht-Stadion (29,000)
Nickname: The Knights, The Gulls
Season Preview: It’s going to be a fun season at the Vest-Marlebucht-Stadion. The club have top forward Ludwig Reichwein ready to fire up front, with him vowing this offseason to win a trophy with his hometown club. He’s being joined by a new strike partner up front, Takashi Matsumoto being promoted from the youth squad. The young Starblaydi is a strong target man, who can expect quality service from the wide players. Waiting patiently behind them for his chance is 18-year old Horst Hackl, who led the J. Republikaliga in scoring last year and is expected to lead the line for the national team at the Di Bradini Cup. Young Kurt Witzel has also been promoted to the first team squad, as many players from the team that won the J. Republikaliga can expect to do in the coming years. Witzel has the ability to launch beautiful passes cutting open defences, and is going to be relied on heavily this year. The backline is perhaps Marzig’s weakest point, but Heinz Schutz is a capable keeper who can make up for that. Marzig will be a fun team to watch, and while they may not always get a result, will be worth the price of admission.
The Club: Marzig are a club located in what is officially known as the city of Pomorie, in the Republic of Siovanija. However, make no mistake, this is not a Siovanijan club. TSV Marzig is the club for those Teus speakers who live in the city of Pomorie/Marzig, who make up about 47% of the population. TSV Marzig are most known for their physical playstyle, making them a tough away trip for every team in the division. This has won them the respect, however, of many teams and fanbases in the league. They are also known for top quality youth facilities, and several of the nation’s top players got their starts in Marzig’s academy. The club have two common nicknames, the Knights and the Gulls. The Knights nickname comes from the fact that the original settlement of Marzig was founded by the Knights of the Order of St. Gustaf, a religious/military order that was tasked with expanding into Siovanija and converting the populace. Marzig was the main fortification/settlement of the Order, and its legacy remains to this day. A knight of this Order is even pictured on the club’s badge, and thus the nickname Knights. The Gulls nickname comes from the fact that the birds are often seen over the harbour, and their white colour matches the colour of Marzig’s home kit. TSV Marzig’s main rivals are cross-town neighbours FK Pomorie, who they take on in the Pomorie/Marzig Derby. We’ve covered the historical origins of the conflict in our description of Pomorie, so here we’ll look at some recent results. TSV Marzig have frankly dominated the rivalry in the Republikaliga era, not losing once against the foe. That run includes 5-2 and 4-0 wins that sent their fans into raptures. TSV Marzig are a team very much on the up in the league, and they will be hoping to continue their dominance in the derby in the future.
VFB LAUNITZ
Colours: Black and white
Manager: Gunter Aust
Stadium: Launitz-Hauptstadion (29,000)
Nickname: The Zebras
Season Preview: No one at the Launitz-Hauptstadion is quite too sure what to expect from this team. They did manage a 9th placed finish last season, but that doesn’t tell the full story. Launitz scored only 46 goals, of course having a solid defensive record of only 51 goals against. It’s unlikely, however, that that can be sustained this year and the team will need goals if they want a solid position in the table. One addition was made to the squad, with Audioslavian youngster Ruud Winsemius joining in the centre of the park. Winsemius and Viktor Ehlers are expected to form a partnership that will hopefully help with getting the ball into forward positions so that Andreas Lauer in particular, a strong poacher, can get on the end of it. At the back, Ole Sauer is still the number one choice in goal, but this may be the legendary keeper’s final season after all. Ulf Havardsson, the keeper from Halfdansodal, will likely see some starts in the league and cup as well.
The Club: Launitz are a club that have traditionally hovered around the lower midtable in the league, with two 17th placed finishes in recent years in the Republikaliga. Last year, the Zebras managed to outperform all expectations and finish 9th in the league. Launitz is a city located roughly equidistant between Stelburg and Kaiserhaven, but has no real attractions or reasons to stop in. It is home to several universities, however, and is famous in the nation as a student city. Launitz don’t have a major natural rival, the closest neighbours being FC Giesenau in the 2. Republikaliga.
VRNOVO MESTO
Colours: Orange and blue
Manager: Lyoben Zhalikov
Stadium: Ostrovi-Arena (26,000)
Nicknames: The Islanders
Season Preview: There are some nerves at the Ostrovi-Arena this year, and some Vrnovo Mesto fans are worried this could be the year their team goes down. Vrnovo have managed to keep themselves in the Republikaliga the last few seasons thanks to their strong efforts on defence, but the worry is that this year, in a league more skilled and more attacking than ever, it could all be for naught. Vrnovo Mesto simply lack what’s needed up front to push forwards from their current position, and they may be in trouble come crunch time. Of course, we’ve said that for the past 3 seasons as well, and they proved us wrong each time. There’s a different mood in Vrnovo this time, however, and survival would be well-received by the club’s supporters.
The Club: Siovanija’s southern islands are known for a warmer climate compared to much of the nation, and a much different lifestyle. The capital city of this region is Vrnovo, the town that started as a naval base and is now an economic and cultural hub of the region. It is also home to two football clubs, Vrnovo Mesto and lower division NK Vrnovo. There isn’t much of a crosstown rivalry, however, and Mesto and NK fans have been known to support the other. Vrnovo Mesto are well known for their strong travelling contingent of supporters, who support the team through anything. They are also known for their extremely pragmatic football, which has made them a disliked yet also respected team in the Republikaliga. They are known as the Islanders for their status as the representative club of the Siovanijan southern islands in the top division.
With the offseason in the books, the Republikaliga season is right around the corner, and we’ll be along to cover the excitement!
