On the threshold of the official presentation ceremony of rewarding FC “Sheriff” with gold medals for winning the National title, we would like to present to our website visitors the article published on the UEFA official website:
By Miron Goihman
Having dominated Moldovan football in the 2000s even more completely than FC Zimbru Chisinau did in the 1990s, FC Sheriff has come a long way since 1997.
Recent founding
Having claimed their eighth successive Moldovan title this season, Sheriff have matched the total that Zimbru managed in the 1990s, but unlike their arch rivals, their run of titles has been an unbroken one so far. Such success is testament to how much a club can achieve in a short time. Zimbru are a 60-year-old outfit. Sheriff were founded as recently as 1997.
International scouting
Having started playing in the Moldovan third tier, Sheriff's mastery of the transfer market soon saw them surge up the divisions, winning their maiden title in 2000/01. Sheriff's scouts are busy working all over the world, and it is a measure of their commitment to foreign policy that only seven members of their current 27-man squad come from Moldova.
Domestic focus
However, Sheriff are redoubling their effort to recruit local youngsters with the Tiraspol club having set up a special football complex in their home city with two stadiums, eight training pitches and a covered surface too. Youngsters from all over Moldova are being invited to attend the academy free of charge, with the club eager to reap rewards for their investment in the long run.
Classy coach
The first team, meanwhile, has benefited from the expertise of Belarussian coach Leonid Kuchuk, who was a little-known figure when he was hired at the club in 2004. However, his ability to put the finishing touches to promising young players, allied to his tactical nous, has made him a superb acquisition, and he is pleased with the way his work has been going too.
'Why should I?'
"I have everything I need at Sheriff," he said. "I have all the latest football know-how, so I can sit and learn. I don't want to leave Sheriff. Why should I? Here we have excellent management, a solid club that is well-known in Europe and is regularly playing in the UEFA Champions League. In Tiraspol, I am working with wise people. I have had tempting offers but stayed and renewed my contract."
European success
However, for all of the club's positive work as a talent factory, European success is something that Sheriff would love more of. A recent official statement read: "The class of the team is defined by its results and fans are asking for more than another league title and the Moldovan Cup." The UEFA Champions League beckons and much is expected.
