One of the most renowned names in Albanian football, Bejkush Birçe, passed away this Sunday at the age of 81, after a serious illness. 

Bejkush Birçe is one of the most prominent figures in Albanian football, contributing both as a player and as a coach for the Albanian National Team. Between 1997 and 2001, he also held the position of vice president of the Albanian Football Federation (AFF).

Birçe grew up as a footballer with the youth teams of Tirana, while he pursued his professional career with the other major club in the capital, Partizani. It was with the “Reds” that he also began his journey as a coach, working for several seasons with the youth teams.

Later, in 1969, Bejkush Birçe took over the helm of the first team of the “Reds,” where he stayed until 1972, and then returned again in the period from 1978 to 1984. Throughout his coaching career, Bejkush Birçe also managed clubs such as Naftëtari, Flamurtari (twice), Lokomotiva of Durrës, and Dinamo.

During one of the most challenging periods, the political transition in Albania from 1990 to 1994, Bejkush Birçe also led the Albanian National Football Team, with a record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 14 losses in 21 matches. During his coaching career, Bejkush Birçe won two league titles and an Albanian Cup with Partizani, as well as a league title, two Albanian Cups, and a Super Cup with Dinamo.

Bejkush Birçe left behind a significant contribution to Albanian football, ensuring his name will be remembered for years to come.

/k.s/