Overview
Josip Pirmajer (14 February 1944 – 24 June 2018) was a professional footballer born in Trifail during the Second World War. He is remembered as a notable player in the former Yugoslav leagues and later as a club manager. Although born in what is today part of Slovenia, his playing career and post-playing life were closely tied to clubs across the Yugoslav republics and later in Serbia.
Club career
Pirmajer spent his playing years with several clubs that were prominent in Yugoslav football. He developed a reputation in domestic competitions and played for teams based in Vojvodina and Belgrade among others. His club history includes:
- Novi Sad — one of the clubs where he featured in league play
- Partizan — a major Belgrade side for which he appeared
- Vojvodina — another key club in his career
International career
Pirmajer represented the national team of Yugoslavia at times during his playing days. While he was not one of the era's most widely known international stars, his selection for the national side underlines the level he reached in domestic competition and the regard in which he was held by coaches.
Managerial career and later life
After retiring as a player, Pirmajer moved into coaching and management. He worked with clubs at regional and local levels, passing on experience to younger players and maintaining active involvement in football communities. His managerial work kept him engaged with the game well after his prime playing years.
Legacy and death
Born in Trifail (the German name for Trbovlje) and later associated with towns in Vojvodina, Pirmajer remained a familiar name in regional football circles. He died on 24 June 2018 in Srbobran, Serbia, from a heart attack at the age of 74. His career is often recalled by supporters of the clubs he served and by historians of Yugoslav football.
For summaries of his clubs and career milestones see club histories and archival profiles: birthplace and early life, Novi Sad records, Partizan archives, and Vojvodina material.