Belarusian Teams: Who Should You Cheer For?

The Belarusian Premier League, also known as the Vysheyshaya Liga, is the only league still playing during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world of sports on hold, football enthusiasts have turned to the little-known European league as the last team sport standing. The league has drawn the attention of punters worldwide, and while it may not be well-known, it features several clubs with impressive histories and passionate fan bases. From BATE, the powerhouse of Belarus, to Dinamo Brest, the reigning titleholder, and Dinamo Minsk, one of the most popular teams in the country, the league offers a range of options for fans to choose from.

BATE Borisov: 13 consecutive titles from 2006-2018

If you're looking for a Belarusian team to support, you might want to consider FC BATE Borisov, the country's most successful football club.

BATE Borisov has an impressive record, having won 13 consecutive Belarusian Premier League titles from 2006 to 2018. In total, they have won the league 15 times. The club was founded in 1973 and won the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic league three times (1974, 1976, and 1979) before disbanding in 1984. The club was re-established in 1996 and has since dominated the Belarusian Premier League.

BATE Borisov is not just successful domestically but has also made an impact in European competitions. They are the only Belarusian team to have qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, doing so on five occasions (2008-09, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, and 2015-16). They have also qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League twice and reached the knockout phase in 2010-11 and 2012-13.

The club's home stadium, Borisov Arena, was opened in 2014, and BATE Borisov is one of the most popular football teams in Belarus. They have a notable rivalry with Dinamo Minsk and a friendship with Polish club Piast Gliwice.

Some well-known former players of BATE Borisov include Alexander Hleb, who played for clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and Stuttgart; Vitali Kutuzov, who played for Milan and Sampdoria; and Yuri Zhevnov, who played for Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Belshina: promoted club, finished four points clear last season

If you're looking for a Belarusian club to support, Belshina could be a great choice. They were promoted to the Belarusian top flight after finishing four points clear at the top of the First League table last season.

Belshina's colours are blue, white, and maroon, and they play at the Brest Regional Sport Complex. They are comparable to the AFL's Richmond in terms of their trajectory and fanbase.

Supporting a promoted club like Belshina can be an exciting prospect as you follow their journey in the top flight. You can cheer them on as they establish themselves among the best and compete with the top clubs in the league.

Belshina's return to the top flight is a testament to their hard work and determination. They will be eager to prove themselves and showcase their skills against the best teams in the country. As a fan, you can be a part of this exciting chapter in their history, celebrating their successes and supporting them through any challenges they may face.

Additionally, Belshina's promotion can bring a fresh dynamic to the league. They will be looking to shake things up and challenge the established clubs, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition.

So, if you're considering a Belarusian club to support, Belshina is definitely worth considering. With their recent success and ambitious outlook, they are poised to make their mark in the top flight, and you can be there to cheer them on every step of the way.

Dinamo Brest: reigning titleholder, strong fan base

Dinamo Brest, or FC Dynamo Brest, is a Belarusian professional football club based in Brest. The club plays in the Belarusian Premier League, the country's top football division. With a strong fan base, the club's supporters call themselves the Blue White Devils and the team has two fan clubs in Pinsk and Kobrin.

Dinamo Brest has a rich history, founded in 1960 as Spartak Brest and undergoing several name changes before settling on its current name in 1976. The club has experienced both highs and lows, with relegation and promotion throughout its early years. Since joining the Belarusian Premier League in 1992, Dinamo Brest has become a force to be reckoned with.

In recent years, Dinamo Brest has enjoyed success on the pitch. They won their first Belarusian Premier League title in 2019, finishing five points ahead of BATE Borisov. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the club, adding to their previous Belarusian Cup wins in 2007, 2017, and 2018. The team also has a strong record in the Belarusian Super Cup, claiming victory in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Dinamo Brest's success has been built on a solid foundation, with the club drawing the highest average home league attendance in the 2017 season at 5,689. The team's performance in the 2019 season, which earned them the championship title, showcased their dominance in Belarusian football.

However, it's important to note that the club has also faced challenges. In recent times, they have struggled financially after losing a sponsor, and their performance has suffered as a result. Despite this setback, Dinamo Brest remains a strong contender in Belarusian football, and their passionate fan base continues to cheer them on.

Dinamo Brest's achievements and dedicated fan base make them a compelling team to support. With a history of overcoming adversity and a recent string of victories, they embody the spirit of determination and resilience. For football enthusiasts looking to throw their support behind a Belarusian team, Dinamo Brest presents a strong case with their impressive track record and passionate supporters.

Dinamo Minsk: one of the most popular teams, largest stadium

Dinamo Minsk is one of the most popular football teams in Belarus, with a rich history and a passionate fan base. The team played at the iconic Dinamo Stadium in Minsk for many years, contributing to the stadium's legendary status.

Dinamo Stadium, officially known as the Dinamo National Olympic Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in the heart of Minsk. With a capacity of over 40,000 spectators in its early days, it was the largest stadium in Belarus. The stadium first opened in 1934 and has undergone several renovations, reflecting its long and eventful history.

The stadium holds a special place in the hearts of many Belarusian athletes and fans, having been inaugurated in 1934 and hosting numerous significant sporting events. It was severely damaged during World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in the post-war years, becoming a symbol of resilience and national pride.

Dinamo Minsk called Dinamo Stadium home until 2008, after which they relocated to the smaller Dinamo-Yuni Stadium. However, the larger Dinamo Stadium continued to play a crucial role in Belarusian sports. It became the primary home venue for FC Minsk and the Belarus national football team, hosting numerous matches and tournaments.

The stadium's architecture is impressive, featuring a mix of modern and classic design elements. The exterior boasts curved aluminium-glass panels and arched gates reminiscent of Spanish bullfight arenas. The interior includes athletic tracks, jumping and throwing sectors, and a natural grass field, making it a versatile venue for various sporting events.

Dinamo Stadium has undergone extensive renovations to preserve its historical look while modernising its facilities. The latest renovation, completed in 2018, reduced the seating capacity to 22,000 to create additional premises for athletes and officials. The stadium now features a media centre, improved lighting and sound systems, and enhanced mobile communication capabilities.

With its long history, impressive architecture, and status as the home of one of the most popular football teams in Belarus, Dinamo Stadium remains an iconic landmark in Minsk and a testament to the country's sporting legacy.

Energetik-BGU: one of the smallest clubs, 118 goals in 30 games

If you're looking for a Belarusian football club to support, you might want to consider Energetik-BGU. One of the smallest clubs in the country, Energetik-BGU has a rich history and a passionate fanbase.

The club was founded in 1996 as Zvezda Minsk (or Zorka Minsk in Belarusian) and is based in the country's capital, Minsk. The club's name changed several times over the years, reflecting itssection with the Belarusian State University (BGU is a Russian abbreviation for the university). In 2017, the club adopted its current name, Energetik-BGU.

Energetik-BGU made its debut in the Premier League in 2002 and played there until 2005. Since then, the team has competed in lower leagues. Despite their small size, they reached the semi-finals of the Belarusian Cup in 2006 and the women's team reached the Round of 32 of the Women's Champions League in 2010.

Energetik-BGU's home stadium is the RCOP-BGU Stadium in Minsk. The club's colours are white, red, and green, reflecting the national colours of Belarus. While the club may not be the most successful in terms of trophies, their dedication to developing young players and their passionate fans make them a compelling choice for anyone looking to support a Belarusian football club.

If you're looking for a club with a rich history, a commitment to youth development, and a passionate fanbase, then Energetik-BGU could be the perfect choice for you.

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