Being among the Top 32 Teams in the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2019 was a historical success for Kosovo football. How has this campaign changed your understanding of defending under high pressure? What tactical habits did you acquire against Europe's elite teams that you still apply today?
Reaching the Top 32 in the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2019 was a turning point in my career. Playing against the strongest teams in Europe taught me that defending under high pressure is not only a physical but also a mental process. I learned to make every move more calculated, to read the game faster and to always be one step ahead. One of the most important habits that I still practice today is maintaining our defensive shape and constantly communicating with my teammates, especially when under pressure. These matches taught me how valuable tactical discipline and collective sacrifice are.
With a height of 1.67, you are successful in the centre-back position, where taller players are generally preferred. How do you use positioning, intuition and physical discipline to your advantage? Can you share a time when your height gave you an unexpected advantage?
Although I had an unusual height as a centre-back (1.67 m), I compensated for this with smart positioning, forethought and physical discipline. I always try to feel the point where the ball will land and be in the right place. One moment I will never forget was the crucial header I received in a Champions League match against a much taller striker. I won that aerial ball simply because I rose at the right time and took a good position. This reminded me that tactical intelligence is sometimes more important than centimeters.
After winning many championships with KFF Mitrovica, your half-season transfer to Donat Zadar in Croatia was a completely different experience. What striking differences have you observed in training methods, league tempo or defensive systems? In what ways did this process give you adaptability?
My short experience in Donat Zadar was quite different from that in Mitrovica. In Croatia I encountered more individualized training methods; More emphasis was placed on player development and data analysis. The league was more physical and fast-paced. In Kosovo the game is based more on a tactical and structured system, but in Croatia there was constant pressure of one-on-one combat. This experience has allowed me to become more flexible and adaptable in my role on defense.
You won both the league and cup championships with KFF Mitrovica for four consecutive years between 2018-2021. What was the cultural or tactical 'secret' behind this streak of success? How did you maintain this stability despite the difficulties of UEFA Champions League matches?
The basis of our success at KFF Mitrovica was discipline, unity and mutual trust. We played every match like a final. Our coaches expected a lot from us but were always fair and tactically clear. Our stability came from squad stability and our mission to proudly represent Kosovo in Europe. Even when UEFA matches brought fatigue, our mental level did not decrease. This collective spirit was the real secret of our dominance in the local area.
You have been playing in the Kosovo National Team since 2020. How has representing your country affected your leadership style at club level? What special responsibilities and motivations does wearing the Kosovo jersey impose on you?
Representing Kosovo since 2020 is one of the greatest honors of my career. This taught me how heavy the responsibility is and how important it is to set an example for younger generations. This perspective was also reflected in my club career; It increased the sense of taking on a leadership role on and off the field. Wearing the Kosovo jersey means representing not just a team, but a nation, its history, sacrifices and pride. This awareness motivates me in every match.
You have played in more than five UEFA Women's Champions League campaigns. How do you evaluate the development of Kosovo women's football on the European stage? What change would you make to narrow the gaps between Kosovar clubs and Europe's top-flight teams?
After more than five UWCL experiences, I can say that Kosovo women's football has made progress, but there is still a long way to go. The biggest deficiencies are in the areas of infrastructure, professionalism and stability. European clubs have large staffs full of analysis teams and assistant coaches – this is what we lack. If I could change one thing to close this gap, I would invest long-term in youth academies and coach development. We must build the future on strong foundations.
Your CV mentions strong defensive leadership qualities. How does this leadership manifest off the field? Can you talk about dressing room dynamics, mentoring young players or your role in tactical meetings? Can you give an example of a game changer?
My leadership is not limited to the field. I try to create a calm and positive atmosphere in the locker room, especially under pressure. I always tried to support, motivate and guide my young teammates with my experience. I remember a cup match very well; We lost our concentration in the first half. I gave a speech at half-time and helped the team refocus mentally. That moment was the turning point of the match and we won. This showed me how effective a voice can be.
After finishing second in the league in a row in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, what kind of mental transformation did you and your teammates go through to win the Kosovo Cup two times in a row? What psychological tools do you use in this process?
It was disappointing to finish second in the league consecutively in 2022 and 2023, but we did not let this feeling break us. Instead, we chose to analyze the situation and regroup. We started having more open conversations, evaluating mistakes without looking for excuses. We turned every failure into a development opportunity. I personally use mental tools like visualization and positive affirmations. Thanks to this psychological resilience, we won two Kosovo Cups and regained our belief in ourselves.
