Vllaznia Promote Two Talents and Prepare to Face Old Rivals Elbasani

Vllaznia continue to invest in players developed through their academy while Edi Martini’s team prepare for their next league match against historic rivals Elbasani.

The Shkodër club have officially announced contracts for Erigestino Pepnikaj and Sabion Bizi, two players produced by the red-and-blue academy. The moves form part of Vllaznia’s project to provide more opportunities to young players and build their future around homegrown talent.

Pepnikaj Continues His Journey With Vllaznia

Erigestino Pepnikaj is another player who has progressed through the different levels of Vllaznia’s academy and has now signed a contract with the club.

For Pepnikaj, the journey from the youth teams to the club he supports continues with hard work, dedication and pride. He will now attempt to make the most of this opportunity and gradually earn his place in the senior team.

First Professional Contract for Sabion Bizi

Vllaznia have also rewarded the progress of Sabion Bizi. The 19-year-old talent has signed his first professional contract with the club where he developed as a player.

From dreaming of wearing the red-and-blue shirt to earning a professional contract, Bizi becomes another academy graduate to join Vllaznia’s project for the future.

The promotion of Pepnikaj and Bizi confirms the Shkodër club’s confidence in their academy and the city’s young footballers.

Attention Turns to the Away Match Against Elbasani

Alongside the latest developments within the squad, Vllaznia are preparing for one of Albanian football’s traditional fixtures.

The red-and-blues will play away against Elbasani on Saturday. The match kicks off at 18:30 and will be broadcast live on RTSH.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Edi Martini described the fixture as difficult and hard-fought. According to the Vllaznia coach, collecting points is more important than producing attractive football during the opening weeks of the championship.

“In the opening matches, the result is what matters. I know our football has not been particularly good, but the points are important. The match against Elbasani will be difficult, and we have worked throughout the week to correct the things that did not go well in our opening game,” Martini said.

“It Is Not Easy to Take Points in Elbasan”

The Vllaznia coach analyzed Elbasani during their match against Laçi and was particularly impressed by their organization and speed in transition.

“We have prepared to perform better. It is not easy to collect points in Elbasan. It will be a difficult match, but we will let the pitch decide,” he said.

“I watched Elbasani against Laçi. They are a compact and good team, particularly in positive transitions, where they have several quick players. We will try to limit their strengths while, of course, playing our own football.”

Martini acknowledged that Vllaznia are still searching for their best form and complete harmony within the team.

“We are still fine-tuning the team. It will be a hard-fought match.”

Opening Draw Has Not Created Psychological Pressure

The coach dismissed suggestions that the draw in the opening match had created a psychological problem within the squad.

“We do not have a psychological block because we have only drawn one match, and it is not the end of the world. We need points—that is the issue. We are fine,” Martini emphasized.

According to him, the team needs time because several young players have entered the starting lineup and have not yet fully adapted to the rest of the squad.

“I hope we will improve from one match to the next because there are many young players in the lineup, and they have not yet fully settled into the team.”

Kobiljar’s Departure and the End of the Transfer Window

Martini does not believe that Kobiljar’s departure will significantly affect Vllaznia because the team have other options in midfield.

“I do not think Kobiljar’s departure will affect us. We have other midfielders,” the coach said.

However, Vllaznia’s transfer business may not yet be finished. The club are in contact with several players and are waiting for developments during the final days of the transfer window.

“We could make another signing before the end of the window, but we must assess everything carefully. We are in contact with some very good players, but they are waiting for developments at their respective clubs. Therefore, we are also waiting.”

Martini Clarifies Gjini’s Situation

The Vllaznia coach also addressed Gjini’s situation, explaining that the player was never owned by the Shkodër club.

“Gjini was never a Vllaznia player. He was on loan from Ballkani, and when the loan expired, he returned there. After that, I do not know how things developed,” Martini explained.

A Historic Fixture Demanding Points and Character

Vllaznia travel to Elbasan with a team undergoing renewal, with academy products becoming increasingly important. Pepnikaj and Bizi represent the club’s project for the future, while the immediate challenge is to collect points against a historic rival.

In an away match expected to be difficult and fiercely contested, Edi Martini wants to see a more organized, cohesive and clinical Vllaznia.