Sabah Bizi, a celebrated figure of Albanian football and a "Nderi i Kombit" (Honor of the Nation) recipient, has passed away at the age of 79. Born on January 26, 1948, in Shkodër, Bizi grew up next to the local stadium, where his love for football quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion.
 |
| Sabah Bizi in action during a match of the Albanian national team against West Germany on December 17, 1967, where the score ended 0-0. Germany is eliminated and does not participate in the finals of the 1968 European Championship. |
Early Years and Rise to Fame
Starting his career in the youth teams of Vllaznia under the guidance of the renowned coach Xhelal Juka, Bizi quickly made his way into the club's first team. His breakthrough came in 1965 when he played a key role in Vllaznia's victory in the Cup of the Republic. From that point, he became an irreplaceable figure on the pitch, playing for Vllaznia until his retirement in 1982 at the age of 34.
Between 1965 and 1968, Bizi cemented his status as a star player, earning a place among Albania's top five athletes of the year for three consecutive years.
A Journey Through Albanian Football Giants
In 1968, Bizi joined Partizani, a powerhouse of Albanian football, during a period when the team was preparing for a historic encounter with Torino, one of Italy's top clubs. Alongside other talents like Ramazan Rragami and Teodor Vaso, Bizi contributed to Partizani’s success, winning two league titles and a Republic Cup during his three seasons with the club.
In 1971, he returned to Vllaznia, where he achieved even greater success, winning three more league titles and three additional Republic Cups before retiring from professional football.
National Team Heroics
Sabah Bizi also left his mark on the Albanian national team. Among his most memorable moments was the legendary 0-0 draw against West Germany in 1967, where he squared off against the great Franz Beckenbauer at just 19 years old.
However, Bizi considered his standout performance to be against Poland, in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. His relentless efforts in that game, including a decisive assist for the equalizing goal, were widely praised, with his name appearing prominently in every column of the "Sporti Shqiptar" newspaper.
Post-Retirement Contributions
After hanging up his boots, Bizi remained dedicated to football. He coached Veleçiku of Koplik and later managed Vllaznia for a brief period, also serving as the club's secretary. In addition, he played a crucial role in developing young talent, working as a youth coach for many years.
Legacy
Sabah Bizi’s contributions to Albanian football, both on and off the pitch, have left an indelible mark. His name is etched in the annals of Albanian sports history as a symbol of dedication, talent, and love for the game. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Rest in peace, legend.