TEEN WITH PRO EXPERIENCE LOOKS TO JOIN WINDSOR TFC
19-year-old Albanian with local connection sees career advantages with locating here
Windsor TFC’s new partnership has drawn player interest from Europe.
On Wednesday, TFC president Vancho Cirovski introduced Albanian defender Rudlolf Popaj, who expects to suit up for the League1 Ontario team this season.
“This is the first time we’ve had a professional player, from a professional league converting, to an amateur status from out of our country, other than the U.S, that’s shown interest in our program,” Cirovski said. “Primarily, it’s because of the opportunities being presented to our players.” Those opportunities include year-round training with the University of Windsor Lancers. As well, with Canadian Premier Soccer League now owning League1 Ontario, Popaj would be eligible for that league’s draft.
“And, he’s eligible, with our affiliate, to step up for Toronto FC and be looked at,” Cirovski said. “There are two avenues he can take.”
While he’s only 19 years old, Popaj played professional last season with KF Burreli in the Albanian First Division. He’s also been with KF Laci in the Albania Toper Tier League for parts of three seasons.
His uncle lives in Windsor and his brother Danjel Popaj is doing his undergrad at the University of Windsor. He spoke to his brother about the recent changes and the young Popaj believes playing in Windsor can help him professionally. “Yes, it is a risk, but it all depends on my ability to showcase myself,” said Popaj, who speaks English, but also used his brother as an interpreter. “First of all, I want to be 100 per cent focused on the local Windsor TFC team and get the team where it’s supposed to be, get the team more competitive and help the team anyway I can. The next step, there’s time to think of that.” Cirovski said Popaj, who is a left-footed player that plays left centre-back, will bring more than just talent to the field. “This kid is a seasoned professional at 19,” Cirovski said. “He brings a professional attitude and I think that’s going to help. He’ll establish a professional standard. Showing up on time, being prepared, working out on your own and having the behaviour on the field that demonstrates professionalism. It’s great to have this leadership.”
The six-foot-two, 176-pound Popaj said he has seen video of League1 Ontario play. “When it comes to the physical part, the soccer is physical here and in Albania, too,” Popaj said. “As far as the technical part, it’s not as fast as European soccer. In Europe, they never stop running.”
Popaj, who is from Shkoder, Albania, has already met several teammates.
“I felt very welcomed and guys are really cool,” Popaj said. “They tried to make me feel part of the team despite the language barrier.”
For Cirovski, the hope is that Popaj cannot only realize his dream, but also help Windsor TFC achieve a long-term goal. “I think in this community, we need to aspire to have a CPL (Canadian Premier League) team,” Cirovski said. “That could be three or four years down the road, but we need to set the foundation.”
First of all, I want to be 100 per cent focused on the local Windsor TFC team and get the team where it’s supposed to be.