Rabotnicki link up with Milan

Wednesday, 28 March 2007
by Igor Panevskifrom Skopje
FK Rabotnicki have pulled off a major coup in F.Y.R. Macedonia, with AC Milan's youth department coaches set to work with the club in July.
Milan visitMilan's public relations manager Danielle Massaro was in the Macedonian capital, Skopje, this week to promote his side's programme, which will see the Italian club's youth coaches work with 300 Rabotnicki youngsters between 16 and 20 July this year.
Kostovski proud"After a year of negotiations we are bringing one of the biggest names in football to our country," said Rabotnicki vice-president Kosta Kostovski. "It's a great chance for young Macedonian talents to work with coaches from one of the greatest teams in Europe."
Ongoing relationshipKostovski is now hoping the cooperation between the two clubs will carry on. "It's one step towards improving our work with the youth categories," he said. "We hope that this cooperation between Rabotnicki and Milan will continue after the camp is over."
San Siro prospectsMassaro agreed: "Why, in the future should some talented player from [F.Y.R] Macedonia not come in Italy to play for Milan, the same way as Goran Pandev plays for S.S. Lazio? If Rabotnicki win the title this season, we could meet up in the UEFA Champions League next season."
Pandev examplePandev's success story is certainly one that will inspire Macedonian youngsters. The 23-year-old started his career in the Prva Liga in the 2000/01 season with FK Belasica GC, before being signed by Milan's neighbours FC Internazionale Milano.
Burgeoning careerEventually moving on to Lazio in 2004 after failing to make a first-team appearance for Inter, he has blossomed in Rome, scoring 21 Serie A goals in his last two seasons and becoming increasingly dangerous for the national team, with eleven goals in 31 appearances.
Tomorrow's starsMassaro was well aware that the Pandevs of tomorrow could well be among the trainees at the Milan camp. "I'm proud that I came to Skopje and I hope some of young players who will participate in this camp will be the stars of Macedonian football and the national team one day."
Montenegrin firstElswehere, F.Y.R. Macedonia's Under-21 side made a small bit of history as they provided Montenegro's first opposition at that level. Mirsad Jonuz's side beat the Montenegrins 1-0 in Skopje, with Zoran Zlatkovski of Bulgarian side PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv 1936 scoring the only goal.
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