At the height of August, the Super League 1 championship kicks off the football season, which is already special in terms of schedule, thanks to the Winter World Cup in Qatar (11/20-12/18).

The 44th professional championship kicks off tonight (21.30) with a match between Volos and Asteras Tripoli, two teams from the region who have given their powers and, in addition to their goal of staying, they have a hidden ambition for 6th place and access to Europe.

The Thessalonians, fourth consecutive appearance in SL1, prove they have laid a solid foundation. They have a new coach, 49-year-old Frenchman Oswald Tanso, who spent time in the French second-tier teams, two of the most important players from last season, top scorer Van Firth and Paulo Fernandez, remained in the squad, while Javier was acquired by Matilla and Milos, among others. Deletic for Ari and AEK, respectively. The acquisition of former OFI player Abdul Wes was also announced yesterday.

In Tripoli they started a new life. They entrusted the “keys” of technical leadership to Iraklis Metaksas, hoping that he would have the same successful project as PAS Ioannina, while adding experienced players such as Kaleb Stanko, Michael Gardafski, Facundo Bertolio, as well as an international Bosnian defender. Ervin Djukanovic, who played in several Italian teams.

• The Ministry of Sports has given the green light to the individual move of AEK fans to Lamia for tomorrow’s match.