Cafe couple get set for match of their life
Nino and Karen preparing to draw the battle lines
When Scotland take to the field in Serbia next week, it will be the nation’s biggest game of football in more than 20 years.
And for one couple watching at home, the contest will carry an extra bit of edge.
Nino and Karen Pajovic are known to many as the husband and wife team who run Ayr’s Cafe le Monde.
But for one night only, national pride is set to put them on opposite sides of their own living room.
Proud Serbian Nino, a former youth player for Red Star Belgrade, reckons his country go in as warm favourites to make next year’s delayed Euro finals.
Now he’s praying they can complete the job – so he wins bragging rights in his house and cafe.
The popular coffee boss said: “Everyone has been talking about the game since we knew it would be Scotland and Serbia in the play- off.
“I love my football and have great banter with the customers who come in – and this has just made it even better.
“Craig Brown is one of our regulars and obviously he was the last manager to take Scotland to a major tournament.
“The likes of Craig, Jim McSherry and Archie Knox are in every week and can’t wait for the game.
“They’re all hoping Scotland can do it and no doubt they’ll be reminding me about it for a long time if they do!”
Nino and Karen have run their busy Newmarket Street cafe for 10 years after moving from Troon’s Strawberry Cushion.
Before that, they cruised the world while working for six star firm Seabourn.
The pair met while Nino was working as a Maitre D’ and Karen a beauty therapist.
Karen, 51, said: “I’ve never been a huge football fan but always enjoy watching Scotland.
“In fact I clearly remember watching the game against Brazil back in the 1998 World Cup.
“We played really well that day and only lost 2- 1, but hopefully the result goes for us this time.
“Me and Nino will enjoy the game with a glass of wine but will DEFINITELY be on opposite sides.
“He’ll be getting toast and beans if Serbia win and a steak dinner if Scotland win!”
The pair have a loyal following of customers who have remained with them during the last seven months of lockdown – and right now the big game is capturing the imagination.
Nino, 52, said: “It has been a tough time for everyone this year.
“This game has brought a good bit of positivity, not only to the country but to our cafe in particular, because it’s something to really look forward to.
“Serbia have offered their players 100,000 euros per man to win the game so you can see how much it means to our country to go and win this and qualify.
“But Scotland are also on a good run at the moment so they’ll be hoping to go and do it.
“I obviously have to say Serbia will win, but it should be a great match.”
And Karen laughed: “I’m just hoping David Marshall has a good bowl of porridge in the morning and we can finally qualify.
“We all know we’re up against it so it would be fantastic for the country to finally do it.
“And whatever the result, it will be something our customers are talking about for a long time to come.”
He’s getting toast and beans if Serbia win and a steak dinner if Scotland qualify!