Antonio Semedo and Cluj racing towards historic title

Romanian club sweeping all before them

The remarkable story of CFR Cluj’s rise and rise in Romania continues unabated. The club which has ten Portuguese players on its books are the runaway leaders, having accumulated 46 points from 18 matches to open up an eleven point lead over nearest rivals, Rapid Bucharest.

What makes the story even more amazing is that the highest ever finish achieved by Cluj in its 100-year history is 3rd. Should the club from the Transylvanian city of Cluj Napoca complete their championship triumph, it will also be the first time the Romanian title has left the capital since 1991.

Star striker, Antonio Semedo, was voted the second best forward in Romania last season and is a crucial member of the team. Speaking to PortuGOAL.net, the former Estrela da Amadora striker said he and his team-mates firmly believe in the title, and adds that he is in a “wonderful moment” in his career.

PortuGOAL: Do you believe you can win the title?
Yes I do. We’re having an excellent season so far. We’ve been in great form now for one and a half years. It’s a question of keeping it going.

PortuGOAL: What has been the reaction of the Romanian press to your success?
To start with they didn’t take kindly to us. They said the club had too many foreigners and questioned what value these players were bringing to Romania. But things have changed. Now we have won their respect because of our play and they are now on our side.

PortuGOAL: If Cluj win the championship they will qualify for the Champions League. Do you think the club is prepared to play in the World’s biggest club competition?
Other Romanian clubs have achieved some good results in Europe and we’ve beaten these clubs so I think we can do well. Our players don’t have much experience in Europe, but they have quality and a tremendous desire to do well.

If you look at other clubs of a smaller dimension, such as Rosenborg of Norway, you see that it’s possible to get good results against big teams. They drew with Chelsea and beat Valencia.

PortuGOAL: From a personal point of view, would you like to stay in Romania, return to Portugal or try your luck in another Championship?
At my age (28) I don’t think a return to Portugal is on the cards. I’m in a wonderful moment in my career. I would like to try the English or Spanish championship, but I must admit I am very happy here in Romania. I think we can give a better account of ourselves than Steaua Bucharest this season.

Here I was given the conditions that I never had in Portugal, such as the chance to fight for the championship, fight for a Uefa Cup or Champions League place. In Portugal the aim was just to fight to stay in the top division.

CFR Cluj play their final match before the winter break this Sunday, away at Poli Timisoara, where they will be hoping maintain or extend their 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Keep tabs on their progress throughout the season in our Weekly Portuguese Abroad round-up.