Slavoj Vyšehrad is poised to undergo a significant structural overhaul involving high-profile figures from the Czech football scene, including actor Jakub Štáfek—known for his role as the fictional footballer “Lavi”—and former national team players. According to reporting by Sport.cz, the club plans to integrate these personalities into its management and coaching staff, with potential plans for Štáfek to feature in competitive matches for the A-team.
Who will lead the new-look Slavoj Vyšehrad?
The club is moving toward a professionalized management structure anchored by experienced former professionals. Sources cited by Sport.cz confirm that Roman Bednář, a former striker for Sparta Prague and West Bromwich Albion, is expected to take over as head coach. Jan Rajnoch is slated for the role of sporting director, while his brother, Matěj Rajnoch, will likely serve as the team’s conditioning coach. Matěj Rajnoch previously held a similar position at Hradec Králové, bringing top-tier league experience to the club.
The integration of fictional and real-world football is becoming a recurring trend in Czech sports media. The upcoming season at Vyšehrad will be documented for a film project, mirroring the club’s strategy of blending entertainment with competitive sport.
Will the club move up in the league hierarchy?
Slavoj Vyšehrad’s future competitive level remains contingent on league vacancies. While the club finished second in the Prague 5th league last season, they may gain promotion if the current league winners, Viktoria Žižkov B, decline their spot in the 4th league (divize). Club owner and president Jaroslav Klíma confirmed to Sport.cz that the organization is prepared to accept a promotion if the opportunity arises. This would mark a sharp transition for a club currently operating in the regional tier.
How do professional standards compare to regional operations?
The shift at Vyšehrad highlights a growing trend of “celebrity-led” sports management, where clubs leverage public-facing personalities to boost visibility. While amateur clubs often rely on local volunteers, the inclusion of figures like Jan Rajnoch—who played for Všenorský SK alongside Ondřej Mazuch and Václav Kadlec—suggests a pivot toward a recruitment model based on personal networks within the professional football community. This contrasts with the standard approach of regional clubs, which typically focus on local youth development rather than bringing in former national team talent.
Pro Tip: Building a Club Brand
For smaller clubs, the “Vyšehrad model” demonstrates how to attract media interest. By combining recognizable faces with a professionalized technical staff, a club can secure media coverage that is usually reserved for top-tier professional teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the deal for the new management team officially confirmed?
Not yet. While multiple independent sources confirmed the planned roles to Sport.cz, the club has not released an official statement, and management declined to comment on the specific structure ahead of an upcoming press conference.
Will Jakub Štáfek play for the team?
The current plan involves Štáfek performing in his “Lavi” persona for the A-team in several matches, according to reports from Sport.cz.
Why is the club changing its structure now?
The club is preparing for a new season and a related documentary project, which appears to be driving the need for a higher-profile management team and increased on-field competitiveness.
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