Agustin Kola

Agustin Kola (born 10 May 1959), is an Albanian professional football coach and retired player.

He played most of his career at 17 Nëntori Tirana where he established himself as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, winning several individual and collective awards. Towards the end of his career, Kola moved for the first time abroad following the fall of communism, by signing with Greece's Egaleo alongside compatriot Adrian Barbullushi. He played there for only one season before returning to the renamed KF Tirana once again to play until his retirement.

Club career After spending some of his teen years at the Tirana Circus, as an acrobat, and also excelling in swimming, Kola was seen playing football by then middle school teacher Aurel Veria, who referred him to Kola's first coach at KF Tirana's youth, Enver Rada. Kola was then 13 years old. At 14, he excelled at the youth Spartakiad and, given his acrobatic mastery, his role was goalkeeper. However, after his team was losing 0–1, he told one of the defenders to go and become goalie and went himself to attack. Coach Rada didn't have time to recall his undisciplined player because Kola scored the drawing goal, and soon after helped one of his teammates score the winner. From that game on, Kola never played as a goalie anymore, but became a forward.

International career He made his debut for Albania in a December 1980 FIFA World Cup qualification match at home against Austria and earned a total of 22 caps, scoring 1 goal. His final international was a September 1994 European Championship qualification match against Wales.

Managerial career Kola's managerial career begun in the 2008–09 season with Tirana, taking charge on 12 December 2008 and leading the team until 7 May, resigning just two matches before the end of the season after losing the 2009 Albanian Cup final to Flamurtari Vlorë. However, the team won their 24th championship with Kola becoming a big factor with his presence as a coach during that season.

Retirement Charity activities On 7 May 2015, Kola took part in a charity match played at Elbasan Arena as part of the Albania Legends vs. Germany Legends. He played in the match and notably scored a Panenka-style penalty in the first match as Albania lost 4–3, a photocopy of the 1997 match.

Career statistics Goals in Albanian Championship

International Source: