Can a Chicken Farmer Save Sparta Prague and Czech Football? Jan Kuchta’s Resurgence

Sparta Prague faces a steep climb to reach the Europa Conference League final. While AZ Alkmaar secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg, Sparta can thank their goalkeeper for limiting the damage. The two teams are currently trending in opposite directions, but Sparta may have a trump card that few anticipated: forward Jan Kuchta. His recent performance suggests a potential turning point for both the club and Czech football’s UEFA coefficient ranking.

Back in the Mix

Forward Jan Kuchta reminded fans of his capabilities with a two-goal performance against Slovácko, netting both goals within 19 minutes of entering the match. This display has sparked renewed calls for his inclusion in the starting lineup. Kuchta’s unique story – a professional footballer who also raises chickens – has resonated with supporters, who see him as a potential key to unlocking Sparta’s European ambitions and securing a crucial tenth place finish for the Czech Republic in the UEFA coefficient rankings.

During a pre-match press conference ahead of the return leg, Sparta coach Priske acknowledged Kuchta’s impact, stating, “When he is properly set up, I am exceptionally satisfied with him. It’s not just about the goals, but also about the intensity and mentality he brings to the team. But Kuchta is Kuchta… He sometimes gives me gray hairs.” Fan forums have been buzzing with support for Kuchta, with “Kuchta do základu” (Kuchta in the starting lineup) becoming a frequent refrain following his performance against Slovácko. He last played a full 90 minutes in a match against Pardubice in late November 2025, but even his goal couldn’t prevent a 2-4 defeat.

A Last Chance for Success

Sparta Prague fans recognize that this season is unlikely to be remembered as a golden era for the club. Their hopes now rest almost entirely on European success. Sparta faced a difficult draw, with a significant gap in quality between their opponents, Celje and AZ Alkmaar. While Celje has struggled following changes in leadership, Alkmaar represents a considerable step up in competition. Alkmaar isn’t a Dutch powerhouse like Ajax or PSV Eindhoven, but they are a stronger side than Celje.

One potential advantage for Sparta lies in Alkmaar’s defensive style. Dutch clubs generally prioritize attacking football and are less inclined to adopt a heavily defensive approach. This could create opportunities for Sparta’s attacking trio, led by Haraslín. Whether Kuchta will feature alongside them remains to be seen, but as the forward himself stated in a 2021 interview, “When I sit with the chickens, I forget about worries and the pressure in my head.” If he’s found that peace of mind, a starting position could be his.

A Story Worth Telling

football is about narratives. The story of a footballer, largely overlooked and with a passion for raising chickens, rescuing Sparta’s dream of reaching the final in Leipzig and securing a crucial tenth place for Czech football – a result worth nearly a billion crowns for Czech club football – is a script worthy of a cinematic treatment.

Jan Kuchta, born January 8, 1997, currently plays as a forward for Sparta Prague and the Czech Republic national team. He has had loan spells with Bohemians, Viktoria Žižkov, Slovácko, Teplice, and Slovan Liberec throughout his career, before returning to Sparta Prague. As of March 16, 2026, Kuchta has made numerous appearances for Sparta Prague, scoring a significant number of goals. He has also represented the Czech Republic at various youth levels and the senior national team.

Sparta Prague will face AZ Alkmaar in the return leg of the Europa Conference League Last 16 on March 19, 2026. The match will be played at the epet Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (7:00 PM GMT). The stakes are high for Sparta, as a victory would keep their European hopes alive, while a defeat would likely end their season.

What are your thoughts? Will Jan Kuchta be the key to Sparta’s success? Share your predictions in the comments below!