Ultras Ballistet

History and background information

The organized football/soccer fan culture or ultras culture in Macedonia took an upturn in the beginning of the 1990s. As the former Yugoslav republic gained independence and a new football league created, there were also more organized fan groups created. The demographic makeup of the country made for more interesting rivalries between these groups as many of these groups were ethnically based. To understand this concept better, it May Be helpful to dwell a bit in the football teams as well and the country's population. The country's population is mainly divided between ethnic Albanians and Macedonians. Ethnic Albanians make up "officially" AbOUT 25.4%, while the Macedonians are the majority. As in the fan groups, the teams are mainly divided in ethnic lines even though they compete in the same league. In the past decade Albanian teams have made tremendous strides in the most elite football league with their own football teams and about 30% of the teams in this league(First League) are designated as Albanian teams.

One such Albanian team is KF Shkëndija KF Shkëndija, who in the 2005/2006 season had its greatest success as the cup finalists. Shkendija's success is many times attributed to the largest organized ultras group in the country that supports them. This ultras group is named Ballistet, or as many call them Ultras Ballistet, with its headquarters in the city of Tetovo.

Ballistët were formed in 1992, when the team Shkendija was once again allowed to compete after being closed down and banned from competition by the communist regime of Yugoslavia in 1981 with an explanation that it was a team that is too Albanian in its nature and a threat to the communist ideals. Since then, Ballistet have grown tremendously and now have members from many other cities and towns as well. Today they are a huge organization with their own elected members as leaders and have their own website: Ballistet Tetove. Statistically, they have the largest number than any other group in the stands and whenever Shkendija plays the overall attendance is by far larger than any other teams in the league.

Ballistet are very involved in the team and hold regular meetings with the club administration and the team, although sometimes they do have disagreements with the club management. In one such disagreement, Ballistet decided to boycott some matches because the new management that took over the club did not deliver much of their promises before they took control of the club and brought the club to financial ruin.

Ballistet and players:

One of the most coveted trophies for the players is the annual trophy given to the best player for the season as voted by the members of Ballistet in their online forum Ballistet Forum. Player's have often said that winning this acknowledgment from the fans ranks right up there with winning a championship.

The atmosphere in the city stadium of Tetovo is often called electrifying primarily due to the effect of the great choreographies and singing throughout the whole match by Ballistet. This is also true when Shkendija travels to play away as Ballistet always accompany them wherever they play. Many video clips and pictures of Ballistet in action can be found at their own site and many other sites that deal with the ultras scene in the Balkans.

Ballistet have their own specific stand with their own entrance in which only members of Ballistet are allowed in. In the home matches their number is usually about 1,000. In the away matches the number is smaller as usually two to four buses go with the team.

Rivalry:

While Ballistet have good relations with many other ultras groups, their main rivals are groups that support teams that are Macedonian. Many a times there have been clashes with these groups, mainly when Shkendija plays away because unfortunately these other groups rarely go to Tetovo when Shkendija is at home. One such group that has been banned by Ballistet to enter their stadium is the group Komiti who support the team Vardar. While Ballistet have been in their stadium many times, Komiti to this day have not been in the stadium in Tetovo when Shkendija plays.

In conclusion, the ultras scene in Macedonia is gaining momentum with each coming year at least as far as Ballistet are concerned. Some groups have dwindled in their numbers and only show up in small numbers when their team plays at home, but rarely go to any away matches. Ballistet on the other hand are so well organized that currently they are considered the best ultras group in the country who have the best choreography, singing and always travel wherever they wish.