According to club chairman Jozef Mati, MFK Slovan Giraltovce enters the new V. liga Sever VsFZ season with ambitions for promotion, aiming to return the club to the fourth tier. The team from the Svidník district achieved back-to-back promotions over the past two years, moving from regional football up to the fifth division following a period where they played in the third league three seasons ago.
Promotion Ambitions in V. liga Sever
Giraltovce secured promotion to the fifth tier after capturing the VI. liga Vihorlatsko-dukelská title last season. According to club records, the team finished the campaign with a two-point lead over second-placed Lackovce, recording 17 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses across 24 matches. The squad finished with 66 goals scored and 21 conceded, boasting the best defensive record in the division.
“Vihorlatsko-dukelská group is the heaviest of all sixth leagues in the east,” Mati told Sportnet. “There are very high-quality teams like Lackovce and Pakostov, with whom we fought a great battle for promotion. We expected it to be easier, but in the end it was a hard fight.”
Did you know? Giraltovce was the only club from the Svidník district competing in the Vihorlatsko-dukelská group last season, frequently facing long travel distances to face opponents primarily from the Humenné and Vranov districts.
Roster Additions and Key Departures
To prepare for the fifth-tier competition, Giraltovce added several experienced players to the squad. According to Mati, playing coach Patrik Partila returned to the club, while 20-year-old Tadeáš Krištof joined on a transfer from Ľubotice. Matej Ficko returned from Petrovany to bolster the defense, and Ukrainian goalkeeper Andrii Izai arrived on loan from Záhradného.
The acquisition of Izai follows a transition for 50-year-old veteran goalkeeper Peter Štefánik. Štefánik, who stepped in starting from the fourth round, played a crucial role in last season’s title run, including a decisive 1-0 away victory against Pakostov secured by Martin Michalka’s goal. Štefánik will transition to the role of backup goalkeeper for the upcoming campaign.
Presidential Cup Financial Dispute
Beyond league play, Giraltovce reached the final of the Presidential Cup last season, where they lost 0–1 to Liptovská Teplá. Mati stated that the team created multiple scoring chances and played the more offensive football during the match, describing the opponent as fortunate to secure the win.
However, the club chairman noted ongoing frustration regarding delayed prize money from the Slovak Football Association (SFZ). According to tournament rules, the winner is scheduled to receive 5,000 euros and the runner-up 2,500 euros. Mati confirmed that the funds have not yet reached the club’s account despite inquiries made to governing authorities.
Upcoming Fixtures and Local Rivalries
Giraltovce opens the V. liga Sever schedule in mid-August with an away match against Veľký Šariš. Mati outlined the club’s short-term target to finish the autumn portion of the season within the top three places before pushing for another promotion in the spring.
The team anticipates competitive fixtures against regional opponents such as Breznica, Bystré, and Kračúnovce. The matchup against Kračúnovce, located just two kilometers away, carries additional local significance as several opposing players previously featured for Giraltovce during their third-tier era.
“We want to bring Giraltovce back to where they once belonged, at least to the fourth league,” Mati said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What league will MFK Slovan Giraltovce play in this season?
Giraltovce competes in the V. liga Sever VsFZ following their promotion from the sixth tier.
Who is the chairman of MFK Slovan Giraltovce?
Jozef Mati serves as the club chairman and sports manager.
What was the outcome of Giraltovce’s Presidential Cup run?
Giraltovce reached the final of the Presidential Cup, where they lost 0–1 to Liptovská Teplá.
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