Slovenian Cup. Women
The Slovenian Women's Cup, run by the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS), pits top women's clubs against each other in a thrilling knockout competition for national glory. As a key counterpart to the PrvaLiga, it offers lower-division sides a shot at upsets and showcases the rising caliber of women's football in the country, aligning with broader European trends.
History and foundation
Launched in the early 1990s post-independence, the cup's inaugural edition came in 1991. ŽNK Krka has dominated with over 10 victories, especially in the 2000s. A highlight was the 2015 final where underdogs ŽNK Pomurje stunned Mladost Polanek 2:1. The 2020 pandemic shortened the tournament, but it rebounded with youth-focused reforms, marking milestones like increased prize money.
Tournament format
Single-elimination knockout from the round of 16 to the final, with extra time and penalties if needed. Features 16–32 teams from PrvaLiga and Second League. Open draw ensures unpredictability. The final is hosted on neutral ground, often in Ljubljana, drawing up to 2,000 fans. The 2023/24 edition had 20 entrants across April–June rounds.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 3.2, spiking in high-scoring thrillers. Top scorer Maria Kozar of Krka nets over 40 cup goals. Standouts include Barbara Lakac (now in Italy) from ŽNK Ljubljana and goalkeeper Nina Ozbolt of Mladost, with 15 penalty saves. It spotlights emerging forwards from Radomlje, fueling transfers to Austria and Serbia.