Petrocub Hincesti CS Petrocub HĂŽnceČti is one of the clubs that have risen from local football to the top of the Moldovan game in a relatively short period. The club was founded on 27 November 1999 in SÄrata GalbenÄ, in the HĂŽnceČti district. Originally known as Petrocub-Spicul, the team used several names during its early years, including FC HĂŽnceČti. In 2001, it reached the top division of Moldovan football for the first time.
The decisive stage of the club's development came in the second half of the 2010s. Petrocub began regularly finishing near the top of the domestic competition and in 2020 won the Moldovan Cup for the first time. The final against SfĂŽntul Gheorghe ended 0â0, with Petrocub winning the penalty shootout 5â3. It was the first major senior trophy in the club's history.
An even greater breakthrough followed in 2024, when Petrocub became Moldovan champions for the first time. The club finished the 2023/24 season ahead of Sheriff Tiraspol, securing its first league title. The achievement was particularly significant because Petrocub interrupted the long-standing dominance of Sheriff, which had been the country's leading club for many years. Petrocub could not defend the title the following season, finishing fourth in 2024/25, while Milsami Orhei won the championship.
The club's domestic progress has also been reflected in European competition. Petrocub first entered UEFA club competitions in the 2018/19 season and subsequently became a regular participant in qualifying rounds of the Europa League and Conference League. In 2024/25, the club reached a European league phase for the first time. In the Conference League, Petrocub faced Jagiellonia BiaĹystok, Rapid Vienna, Real Betis and Heart of Midlothian, among others. Notable results included a 1â1 away draw against Ä°stanbul BaĹakĹehir and a 2â2 draw away to Hearts.
Petrocub also reached the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds in 2024. The club was drawn against APOEL Nicosia and went out after two matches, drawing 1â1 at home before losing the return leg 0â1. Taking part in Champions League qualifying was another important step in the development of the HĂŽnceČti club.
Petrocub's traditional colours are white and black, while its home ground remains Stadionul Municipal HĂŽnceČti. The relatively modest venue reflects the club's strong local character. Petrocub's story is above all one of gradual progress: from a club founded at the end of the 20th century, through its first national cup in 2020, to the Moldovan championship and its first appearance in a European league phase.
