A first title since 1993/94 looks to be a real possibility for Albanian league leaders KS Teuta, who are showing the value of toil and teamwork under coach Hasan Lika.

Lika and Teuta sporting director Sulejman Starova helped KF Partizani to win the 1992/93 title last time they worked together and it looks like that magic formula could be paying off again. "We are a close-knit group with an unselfish attitude and a real hunger to win," explained the coach as he tried to encapsulate the form that has surprisingly left the Durres side top of the rankings, with just one defeat in 13 league games in the autumn.

Their season resumes with a game against KF Tirana, who trail Teuta by five points as they look to add to their national record of 24 league titles. However, the unassuming side from the nation's biggest port may have the edge on the capital club, having addressed their perceived frailties in front of goal – they have scored just 17 times in the league – with the signing of Serbian forward Pavle Delibašić, who is the only non-Albanian in their squad.

Now 33, Delibašić has played in Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Greece and Bulgaria. Teuta are hoping that his arrival will help make more of a quick, young midfield line, which has thrived in front of a defence featuring captain Arjan Sheta and former international defender Tefik Osmani.

Club president Edmond Hasanbelliu feels that, with the arrival of Delibašić, Teuta have added a crucial piece to the puzzle. "We have great chemistry, great leadership and a great coaching stuff," he said. "We are not a one-man team. We play as a group, but we needed a striker, and now we have one."

With confidence up, even elimination from the Albanian Cup has been seen as a positive. "It's not the end of the world," said the 30-year-old Sheta, who is in his third spell at Teuta "Now, we only have one objective and all our focus will be on winning the title, not like our rivals Tirana and Skënderbeu who are still competing on both fronts."

That second title in the club's history is a big deal for Teuta's fans, the Djemt e Detit (Boys of the Sea), and Hasanbelliu is eager to secure the crown for the club, which takes its name from an ancient queen of Illyria. "I would love to win the title for the people of Durres and give them a special feeling that they haven't had for almost two decades," said Hasanbelliu.