Bledi Shkembi ahead of Vardar derby: "Struga TL will play to win"
Coach Bledi Shkembi says his team will target victory in the derby at the FFM pitch, while warning the title race remains open.
Vardar and Struga TL meet in a key Macedonian First League derby on November 2, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00 at the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) pitch in Skopje.
Both clubs are chasing the title this season and sit close behind leaders Shkëndija (T). Struga TL have shown strong form through the autumn, particularly at home, and have recently begun to pick up wins on the road as well.
Struga TL coach Bledi Shkembi offered a measured assessment ahead of the trip to the capital. He stressed the team’s intention to fight for three points: "Against Vardar we have a difficult match, as in almost every week of the championship. We want to play a good match, Struga TL will play to win. Of course we must respect the opponent and give our all."
Not a make-or-break match, says Shkembi
Shkembi downplayed the idea that single fixtures at this stage will decide the title race. "I don't think matches like this one against Vardar today, or the one awaiting us next week against Shkëndija at our ground in Struga, are very decisive. That's because there are still many matches in the championship and time to recover points, whatever the situation. Simply, there is still a lot to play," he said, underlining a cautious optimism.
The derby at the FFM pitch is expected to be tightly contested as both sides aim to reduce the gap on Shkëndija (T). Fans and neutrals will be watching to see whether Struga TL's improved away form can yield a positive result in Skopje.
Photo: press material from the event
