Partizan shine for the cameras

By Aleksandr Boskovic

In a bid to boost football's popularity in Serbia and Montenegro, the Association of Prva Liga Clubs has agreed a multi-game television deal with the national broadcaster, Radio Television Serbia, to show three top-flight matches every Saturday afternoon.

Popular appeal
The idea has proved a success so far: the first weekend's action drew one million viewers, eclipsing by far average league attendances of just 2,200 spectators.

Partizan progress
On the field, FK Partizan lead the First Federal League after four wins from four matches in September. The Belgrade side also qualified for the UEFA Cup group stage, but despite these successes, coach Vladimir Vermezovic is still fine-tuning his team. Newcomers Simon Vukcevic and Pierre Boya continue to settle, while veteran goalkeeper Ivica Kralj underpins a strong-looking defence.

Head-to-head
A test of their championship credentials will be the visit of champions FK Crvena Zvezda on 16 October. That game could have come at a better time for Crvena Zvezda, who occupy second place, six points behind Partizan, after they beat FK Sutjeska on Sunday while Partizan accounted for FK Železnik.

Stepping down
The red-and-whites had a dismal September, with a 6-1 aggregate defeat by FC Zenit St. Peterburg in the UEFA Cup first round adding insult to the injury of a 5-0 loss against PSV Eindhoven in UEFA Champions League qualifying. The Zenit result prompted the resignations of coach Ljupko Petrovic and president Dragan Dzajic, with the former being replaced by Ratko Dostanic.

High fliers
The surprise of the season, however, are FK Zeta. Now in their fifth term in the Prva Liga, the Montenegrin club have won five out of eight games to lie in third place. Despite the sales of Nenad Brnovic and Branimir Petrovic to Partizan, and Milos Martic to Olympiacos CFP, coach Dejan Vukicevic has his young and organised team playing well.

Crowd favourites
Another Montenegrin side, newly promoted FK Buducnost Podgorica, are also bringing something to the table. Back in the top flight after five years, they are attracting home crowds of 6,000 and have gained similarly impressive results to move into sixth position.

Dismal start
By contrast, FK Železnik, third last season, have disappointed. Coach Mile Tomic has overseen just one victory so far as he searches for a winning formula. Below his team in the relegation places are FK Cukaricki, FK Obilic and newcomers FK Hajduk Beograd.