Serbian sports journalist and broadcaster Aleksandar Stojanović tells the story of West Ham United’s UEFA Europa League Group A matchday one opponents FK TSC Bačka Topola...
In the annals of sporting history, TSC, or ‘Topolski sportski klub’, bears the distinct mark of longevity, clocking in at well over a century in existence. The club's rich heritage spans through the bygone eras of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenians, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Serbian and Montenegrin realms, ultimately settling in the sovereign territory of Serbia.
Yet, the club's saga has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, weathering the storms of fate, and today it stands resolute in the sunshine of its prime. Evidently, the zenith of their recent endeavours came in the form of a commendable second-place finish in the 2022/23 season, a resounding testament to their resurgence.
The acronym ‘TSC’ is not merely a string of letters but a profound connection to history. It abbreviates ‘Topolski sportski klub’, a nod to its Hungarian antecedent, the ‘Topolyai Sport Klub’. This linguistic bridge evokes the indelible ties that bind the club to Hungary and the Hungarian minority dwelling within Serbia, an influence that has markedly shaped their recent trajectory.
This phoenix-like resurgence has seen the club ascend year after year, culminating in their entry into the upper echelons of Serbian football, the SuperLiga, in 2019. Remarkably, in the very next season, they seized a commendable fourth place, securing a coveted berth in the Europa League. Alas, their European odyssey proved heart-wrenchingly futile after a titanic showdown with FCSB culminated in a gripping 6-6 draw, only to see the Romanian side triumph in the ensuing penalty shootout.
In the annals of European cup competitions, spanning over 24,000 matches (excluding the Intertoto Cup), this showdown between TSC Bačka Topola and FCSB carved a unique niche. According to Gracenote statistics, it was a match like no other, where both teams found the back of the net at least five times (excluding penalty shootouts).
Tragically, this momentous game played out amidst the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the absence of several key players from both sides. Just a few months later, in December 2020, promising coach Zoltan Szabo died. His untimely passing left an indelible void, for he was undeniably one of the most pivotal figures in TSC's storied history. He departed this world at the tender age of 48.
The club's upward trajectory, season by season, reached its zenith in the recent past, as they clinched a remarkable second place in the Serbian SuperLiga, marking their finest hour. This meteoric rise can be attributed to the club's steadfast leadership, unwavering financial support, and the guiding hand of an exceptional coach.
As the club has grown, so too have its legends. Two of its most illustrious former players ventured across the English Channel later in their careers. One, Nikola Žigić, made a name for himself as a striker for Birmingham City, earning the club a coveted League Cup in 2011. The other, the illustrious Dušan Tadić, is a name synonymous with creative brilliance. In fact, according to recent statistics, Tadić has been the premier creator in the top seven European leagues since 2017.
While the towering figure of Žigić was a prolific goal-scorer during his time at AIK Bačka Topola (the former name of TSC), tallying an astonishing 68 goals in just 76 appearances, his feats were somewhat underappreciated, largely owing to the club's status in the third tier. Tadić, on the other hand, never quite reached the senior ranks within the club. Bačka Topola holds a special place in both their hearts, with Tadić's residence nestled not far from the hallowed stadium.
A broader project
The club's development is inextricably linked to Janoš Žemberi, a local entrepreneur and sports enthusiast. He harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit to make TSC a part of a broader project in which Hungarian companies invest in football clubs in regions of Europe with Hungarian minorities, such as DAC and Komarno in Slovakia, Osijek in Croatia, Sepsi and Miercurea Ciuc in Romania, and Nafta Lendava in Slovenia.
Žemberi's telecommunications company, Sat-trakt, serves as the club's primary sponsor. Additionally, the magnificent TSC Arena, with a seating capacity of 4,500, was financed by Hungarian state-owned companies and Hungary itself through its funds. The inauguration of the stadium in Bačka Topola even saw Hungarian President Viktor Orban cut the ribbon. None of these achievements would have been possible without Žemberi's leadership, which has proven to be exemplary, supported by a dedicated team, including another former player and current director, Sabolč Palađi, who also hails from a Hungarian background.
Žemberi was born not far from the very stadium he has nurtured. This successful entrepreneur doesn't seek the limelight in the media but in personal interactions, he comes across as a composed yet focused individual who knows what he wants and has a clear vision. A nature enthusiast, he fully grasps the club's current position and its future trajectory. While he doesn't interfere in the day-to-day workings of the sports sector, he is well-informed about every facet necessary for the club's functioning. Importantly, he plays a significant role in several industrial projects between Hungary and Serbia, including a high-speed rail connection between the two countries.
A clear leader
The question about the club's success is straightforward to answer, yet undoubtedly challenging to achieve. TSC boasts a clear leader in Žemberi, with several decision-makers in key roles, but the president is the ultimate authority. They first established their Academy and only then built their stadium. They now possess outstanding facilities for training and match play. Player salaries are notably competitive within the local context, and the club diligently fulfils its promises.
Their choice of coaches has been astute, with Zoltan Sabo being the first in line, followed by Žarko Lazetić. Both are young and ambitious, and their tenure at TSC has seen a meteoric rise. They have transformed from former Partizan players into accomplished coaches.
TSC stands out in Serbian football for its exceptional organisation, family-like atmosphere, excellent facilities, all while not boasting the international recognition of clubs like Ajax, Atalanta, or Leipzig. In Serbian terms, TSC represents the epitome of hard work, stability, and a solid foundation. Recently, they appointed a Sporting Director, recognizing the need for this role, which was previously handled by the president, director, coach, and one advisor.
Žarko Lazetić is a fervent devotee of football. A former Partizan player, he has now become a better coach than he was a player. He favors a possession-based style of play, drawing inspiration from figures like Pep Guardiola and Novak Djoković, seeking to extract the best from both. He contemplates football extensively and remains resolute in his ideas. He is known for his meticulous tactical preparations and will leave no stone unturned in getting his team ready. The question remains, can his players stand up to a challenge like West Ham?
It's hard to predict, but will they attempt to better themselves with their style of play? Absolutely. Regardless of the outcome or the course of the match, Lazetić firmly believes in his vision, and there's no room for negotiation on that front. The team's identity revolves around possessing the ball, maintaining a solid formation, attacking, and asserting themselves in the game as much as possible. Of course, they will adapt their approach when necessary, but they will never deviate from their core philosophy.
Disciplined and tenacious
TSC aimed to preserve the core of their squad while bolstering it with players who would enhance competition. These are disciplined, tenacious individuals, many of whom bring significant experience, particularly in the defensive line.
In all likelihood, the goalkeeper will be Veljko Ilić, once a member of Red Star Belgrade's youth academy. At just 20 years old, he's already a regular starter for TSC, and he could very well be the next big sale for the team.
Josip Ćalušić, a Croatian centre-back, excels in ball distribution, boasts experience, and is formidable during set pieces. His potential partner this season could be Mateja Đorđević, a 20-year-old who possesses speed and aggressiveness.
Nemanja Stojić is versatile, capable of playing both as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder, often interchanging positions with Ifet Đakovac. Stojić shines in building attacks, while Đakovac is known for his aggressiveness and ability to take shots from distance.
Nemanja Petrović and Miloš Cvetković are frequently the first choices on the wings. Positioned high up the pitch, they are experienced and loyal to the team's playing philosophy.
A significant number of new players have joined the squad. Miloš Pantović, a talented dribbler, is still searching for the right moment to shine. Lazetić tends to bring in players he knows from previous clubs or those he has scouted extensively. Petar Stanić, formerly of Red Star Belgrade, was once hailed as a great talent, as was striker Marko Rakonjac. It wouldn't be surprising if Lazetić also gives a chance to a young player who hasn't been in the spotlight until now.
Saša Jovanović is often in the starting eleven, bringing his experience to the team, just like Milan Radin.
The team plays with discipline, where the older players provide invaluable experience, and the younger ones bring their flair and tricks. Unfortunately, it's not easy to replace the departure of Petar Ratkov, last season's number nine and the biggest sale in the club's history – to RB Salzburg – as well as Luka Ilić. The midfielder was undoubtedly one of the best performers last season but had to return to Troyes (part of the City Group) after his loan spell. Manchester City had previously bought both Luka Ilić and Ivan Ilić.
Miloš Vulić, a midfielder, gets the opportunity to rejuvenate his career, much like when he signed for Red Star Belgrade.
Expect a team that will fight both against West Ham and against third-tier opposition. Of course, West Ham is the favourite, but TSC will attempt to play their brand of football, which defines their identity.
*The views shared in this column are those of the writer and not those of West Ham United.
