Kaunas the team to beat

The Lithuanian first division begins its 2002 season on Saturday with nine clubs competing in the 32-game championship.

Champions seek another win
FBK Kaunas again start at favourites having claimed the title three years running. However, coach Saulius Sirmelis, who has retained the whole of his regular starting line-up from 2001, is expecting a tough challenge of the title.

Strong contenders
FK Atlantas, 16 points adrift in second place last year, and FK Inkaras, fifth in 2001, are tipped to be strong contenders to pip the champions, having also avoided seeing their squads depleted in the close season. FK Zalgiris Vilnius were not so fortunate, seeing key players leaving for Russia and Poland, but former Lithuanian national coach Kestutis Latoza has been busy recruiting players from Belarus, following his return from the Faroe Islands.

Argentinian first
Marius Stankevicius made history recently by becoming the first Lithuanian player to move to Italy's Serie A, joining Brescia Calcio on a five-year deal. Although FK Ekranas will miss the full-back, Brescia gave them a helping hand with the recommendation of 33-year-old Argentinian goalkeeper Favio Eduardo Duran, who will be the only South American player in the history of the championship.

Relegation danger
Promoted FK Suduva Marijampole will be keen to avoid relegation, with the ninth-placed side going down, and eighth meaning a play-off with the second division runners-up. KASK FK Gelezinis-Vilkas, FK Nevézis and FK Sakalas are also expected to again battle to retain their status.

Return to TV
This year sees the championship returning to television, with live coverage and magazine shows, as the league celebrated its 80th birthday. The Lithuanian Football Federation is also providing live information on its website, www.futbolas.lt, as they seek to improve the game's promotion.