Success Stories

These players were coached at one time or another by our head coach Luka Shaqiri. Accompanying the pictures, is a small personal biography.

[Luka (left), Erjon Bogdani(right). Verona, Italy 2007. Albanian Footballer of the Year in a ceremony after the Chievo Verona - Sampdoria game]

Erjon Bogdani

He was recruited from a basketball team to the soccer team of the same club by Luka Shaqiri at 14 years of age. He started soccer very late and had a lot to catch up, but this star made it all the way into Reggina FC Seria-A, Verona, Siena. The season 2005-2006 was the best goal scorer in his team with 12 goals. In world Cup qualification 2006 he was the best player of Albanian National team. Check his wikipedia page to keep up with this star.

[Igli Tare and Luka Shaqiri at a restaurant chuckling at the out take pictures from Eurostar, this picture was taken in Rome.]

Igli Tare

Much like Edwin, Igli was coached by Luka. He started his career in Germany where he played proffessionaly and then had a lengthy career with one of the best Seria- A Team in Italy Lazio FC. Igli has now retired and attained the position of Technical program Director for Lazio. This is the same position Luka had held when he discovered Igli back in Albania, it is certainly interesting to see how things have come full circle for this superstar. You can get up to date with this superstar on his wiki page.

[Picture: Luka (left) Edwin (right) Köln Germany 2003, in front of the Cologne Cathedral]

Edwin Murati

Edwin was coached by our Head Coach Luka Shaqiri. Edwin started training with Luka at a very young age (11). Edwin was picked up by Paris St Germain. He was competing against 200 people from all over Europe, and was one of two players chosen. Now he is one of the most recognized soccer players in Europe.He was talented and hard worker. What is most amaizing about this young star is that he is very grounded and you would not be able to pick him out in a crowd. In 2006 World Cup Qualification he scored winning goal against EURO 2004 Champions Team Grecce. You can keep up with this star on his wiki page.

Adrian Aliaj

Adrian now plays in Germany. He is also a part of the Albanian National Team, where he has scored 6 goals in 7 games, playing left defense. We are really proud of his achievements. In world Cup 2006 he played Left defender in Albanian National Team and he scored 7 Goals in the tournament group. His past associations include Standard Luettich, La Louviere, RSCS Charleroi. You can keep up to date with this star on his wiki page.

Hajdar El Shaban

Hajdar attended Eurostar for 3 years from 2002-2005 and showed tremendous promise. You can see him on this picture (4th from top right). Hajdar is very talented but also a great team player which is the reason this star has made it to Europe. Hajdar played for the University of Western Ontario as the starting goalkeeper. After a very succesful two years Hajdar started playing in Paris with Saint Etienne 3rd category division French team and now has moved on to a second division team Nimes. We will be watching his success story as he is now just starting his career as a professional soccer player.

[At the Hotel after the game, Lala-left, Luka Middle. Germany]

Altin Lala

Altin is a close friend of Edwin Murati, trained with Luka. He took over as Albanian National captain from Igli Tare (check above success story). The thing I like about Altin Lala is his confidence and how he makes fans feel safe everytime he touches the ball, that sort of feeling is not instant it takes years to develop. This reliable little rock has been able to consistently perform without injury and with dedication. You can find more info on this page(wiki).

Blendi Nallbani

Goalkeeper who trained with Luka. You can find more info on him, in this page(Wiki). He is well known for setting a record transfer fee of 1,000,000 dollars in the Albanian league and for playing with national team at the age of 17.

Fabian Knesevic
Plays 1st division Croatian HNL Ozujsko. Kamen Ingrad.

Mike Pereira
Plays Pro with Porto Team in Portugal, Academy Program.

Many of our stuents have gone on to attain full scholarships with US and Canadian universities. This includes but not limited to David Inglis, Michael Sawchuck, Janko Stukic and Eris Tafaj.