Anyone coming to Split will see painted murals and graffiti filled walls on nearly every corner or anything with a paint surface about their beloved football (or soccer for you Americans) team Hajduk Split. Torcida (Hajduk’s organized fan group) is the oldest in Europe, and every game at Poljud Stadium has an energy unlike many others. Many of you may not be aware that Split is lucky enough to have another football team, RNK Split. Although having to live under the shadows of the giant that is Hajduk, RNK Split has come a long way to prove that they can be equally an aggressive power in Croatian football.
RNK Split was founded on April 16th, 1912 under a different name at the time, Anarch. Having toyed with a few different names in the beginning era of the club, they finally settled on RNK, Radnički Nogometni Klub Split. With the turbulent history over the years in Croatia, RNK Split gained recognition as 120 of their players were killed fighting for Tito and the Partisan army during World World II. Having to pick up the pieces of lives lost, and rebuilding a club after these tumultuous times, RNK became a notable powerhouse and from 2008 to 2010 achieved three consecutive promotions, ultimately promoting them to Croatia’s First League.
Placing third in the 2011 season, RNK Split qualified for UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club’s existence. During the tournament they reached the third qualifying round in which they lost to Premier League side Fulham.
During the 2015-2016 season, RNK Split is currently in fifth place going into the last game of the season. With their final game tomorrow, RNK Split is determined to show their might and end on a satisfying note for the season.
RNK Split face Slaven Belupo in the final match of the season tomorrow, May 14th at 7:00pm in Park Mladeži. Go out and support Split’s other football club!
