Bylbyl Sokoli

Bylbyl Sokoli (born 19 December 1958), is a Kosovar football manager, former player and university professor. He was born in Pristina.

Playing career

Sokoli played as a defender and was associated with several clubs in Kosovo, including KF Prishtina, KF Liria, and KF Drenica. He also had a brief period playing in Turkey with Galatasaray SK.

Managerial career

Sokoli began his managerial career in the late 1990s. He has managed various clubs in Kosovo such as KF Prishtina, KF Liria, KF Ferizaj, and KF Drenica. Additionally, he has managed the Kosovo national team on two occasions.

Achievements

As a manager, Sokoli has won:

• Kosovo Superleague in 2001 and 2002 with KF Prishtina
• Kosovo Cup in 2000 with KF Prishtina and in 2006 with KF Liria

Coaching Style

Sokoli is known for his attacking style of football and expects high levels of effort and commitment from his players.

Clubs managed

Throughout his career, Sokoli has managed several teams:

• KF Prishtina (1998-2003, 2006-2007, 2010-2011, 2019-2020)
• KF Liria (2003-2006, 2008-2009)
• KF Ferizaj (2007-2008, 2018-2019)
• KF Drenica (2011-2012, 2018-2020)
• KF Gjilani (2012-2013, 2020-2021)
• KF Llapi (2013-2014, 2017-2018)
• KF Peja (2014-2015)
• KF Kosova (2016-2017)
• Kosovo national team (2018, 2021-2022)
• KF Malisheva (2023-present)
• KF Dinamo (2024)

Academic contributions

Sokoli graduated from the Faculty of Physical Education in Pristina in 1985 and completed his postgraduate studies, earning a doctorate in 2003. He obtained a UEFA coaching certificate in 2004 and a UEFA Pro Licence in 2006. Sokoli is also a lecturer of football at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at the University of Pristina.

Honours and recognition

Sokoli has been named Coach of the Year three times. His career as both a player and a coach, along with his academic contributions, have had a notable impact on football in Kosovo.

See also

• Sport in Kosovo