Pāvels Mihadjuks

Who is Pāvels Mihadjuks?

Pāvels Mihadjuks is a Latvian professional association footballer, who plays for Daugava Rīga in the Latvian Higher League. He previously played for FK Ventspils and FK Liepājas Metalurgs.

Mihadjuks started his career as a forward, but quickly developed into an imposing centre half. After some excellent displays for the Latvian under 21 team, he gained the nickname "'Pāvels Slepkava'" which means "Pāvels The Butcher" in English. The nickname was due to his habit of injuring opponents with sturdy tackles. A request was made to FIFA to allow Mihadjuks to wear the name "Slepkava" on his back but this was declined.

Mihadjuks, who played for the Latvia national under-21 football team, joined FK Ventspils from FK Riga in 2008. He helped Ventspils to the Latvian league championship, and played for them against Norwegian side SK Brann in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Mihadjuks joined Inverness CT on trial during January 2009, and signed a contract with them until the end of the 2008–09 season a few days later. He made his Inverness debut in the Scottish Cup against Partick Thistle, and he then scored his first goal for the club in a league match against Hearts. Mihadjuks left Inverness at the end of the 2008–09 season and rejoined Ventspils.