From Fourth Tier to European Football: The Rise of LNZ Cherkasy
The Ukrainian club LNZ Cherkasy has made history, qualifying for the Conference League despite Russia’s invasion. After years of struggle in Ukraine’s fourth tier, they recently finished runners-up in the top flight and will face Belgian Gent next week.
- LNZ earned their European debut by finishing second in last season's Ukrainian Premier League — a remarkable feat considering their status as latecomers to professional football.
Celebrating 20 years and now based in Cherkasy, one of the financial capitals of Ukraine, LNZ have rapidly grown under an ambitious team led by Kayuk, the youngest CEO in top-flight history. With the support of their locally-based agribusiness owners, they aim to build a long-term success story for Ukrainian football.
Their manager Vitaliy Ponomaryov warned his players: 'We must forget past successes and set new goals.'