With ambition no lower than becoming Estonian champion, Nõmme Kalju has finished first round in great form, topping the Estonian Premium league tabel.
“I am happy with how team has played in the first round, specially defence, as opponents have managed to score only in two occations. Our team has many high level players that can change the game and there is also many talented young players coming to the fray,” said Kalju’s head coach Igor Prins after press conference of last game of the round.
Kalju’s 25 year old left defender Ken Kallaste also gave his opinion, saying: “I have never seen Nõmme Kalju as strong as in this season. We have many top players that make the difference in the game and we are all motivated to win all games and ultimately Estonian championship.”
League leaders after two months
After shocking first game of the season, when Kalju unluckily managed to get first win over FC Infonet annuled, they have proven that the team is strong not only physicaly, but mentally, collecting 20 points overoll, only making two draws.
In March Kalju defeated league’s newcomer Jõhvi Lokomotiv 2:0 and Paide Linnameeskond 6:0, playing both games away. Month ended with top games against representatives of green side of Tallinn, drawing with FC Levadia 0:0 and FC Flora 1:1, both games held in Hiiu stadium, brought together season record attendance with 1228 and 1341 respectively.
April was even more successful month, as team scored 15 goals with four games, winning them all. Ida-Virumaa has always been dangerous and difficult place to play, but Kalju’s trips to Narva Trans and Sillamäe Kalev ended with 4:0 and 3:0 convincing smashings. Home games also brought success, as Kalju said farewell to Hiiu’s artificial ground with 2:1 win over very motivated Tallinna Kalev and hello to Kadrioru stadium, debuting on grass with 6:0 trashing over Tartu Tammeka.
Many different goalscorers
Kalju’s top scorer has been Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Wakui, scoring 5 goals, with Estonian national team forward Tarmo Neemelo and French winger Allan Kimbaloula scoring 3. There is alltogether 10 players that have scored for Kalju, with Mikk Reintam, Ken Kallaste, Karl Mööl, Fabio Prates and Robert Kirss scoring two goals and Jüri Jevdokimov and Janar Toomet has been accurate once.
Adding to Kalju’s wide selection goalscorers, there is a remarkable achievement from Kalju’s captain and goalkeeper Vitali Teleš, who has conceded only 2 goals so far.
Effort to give visitors great gameday experiance
This season the NKFC has also added extra attention to gameday experiance to visitors, as the gameday is highly prepeared with lot of activities to attencance with all kind of ages, as well as familys. There is activities to younger generation and also older ones – something for everybody! Game has been spiced with Kalju Dance Team cheerleaders, football freestyler performing and games for audience to win club fan products, such as Optibet&NKFC football and Kalju’s jersey.
Kids are being taking care of in the special Maxima and Kalju House of Games area, where there is club mascot Pink Panther playing with kids, also teaching them to enjoy football. Children can eat cookies and candies, play different games, win prizes and also to jump in very enthralling Kalju House of Games trampolines, such as football field, slide and trampoline house.
“Nõmme Kalju fans are amazing, supporting us in home matches and also away. We will surely miss the Hiiu stadium, but I am sure that our supporters will find the way to Kadrioru stadium and its nice to see that the club puts much effort into gameday, to make people have a nice day!” Kalju’s assistant coach, Brazilian Fredo Getulio Aurelio declared.
All eyes all over the world were on Nõmme Kalju, when players decided to make bowling inspired celebration to goal against FC Flora, hitting the headlines allover the globe. You can re-enjoy the celebration here!
Still, there is 27 games to go till the November, when the champion is decided. For now, we all should enjoy the journey of Premium League 2014 season, inviting everybody to support our team – Nõmme Kalju!
More information on:
Official information channel
www.kaljufc.ee
Official Facebook page
www.facebook.com/NommeKaljuFC
Official Kalju House of Games (KMM) Facebook page
www.facebook.com/VoitjateKogemus