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Looking Forward to 2010by Jonathan Spiteri2009 could not have ended in a better way. While four convincing wins and a draw (against title favourites Valletta) is an excellent return that has helped us stay right behind the pace setters, the most encouraging thing in my view is the tangible improvement in both the level of football the team plays and the goal scoring touch which, at the beginning of the season was our main concern. When comparing the 18 goals in the last five matches with the 10 goals in the previous six, one would start thinking ‘what if we were in this kind of form since August?’ Credit should go first of all to our coach Mr Paul Zammit, who has managed to transform the team into a goal scoring machine. Praise should also go to all the players for the commitment they are showing, with the few experienced ones leading the rest by example. The group now seems to be gelling to perfection, and I am sure that, while there is still room for improvement, I am pretty optimistic that the choices made by the committee will prove them right. The thing we are most fond with as a group though is the positive feedback we are receiving from the players. We have a very good relationship with most of them, and while we appreciate their efforts, they show us respect and always underline the importance of our support for them. What can be more rewarding for us than a player running towards us and celebrating a goal with his fans? This is just what centre back Nikola Vukanac did when scoring his first goal in the Birkirkara shirt by opening the score against Tarxien Rainbows on Sunday. 
Having been loaned out to Vittoriosa in pre-season, the Cottonera’s side demotion to First Division coupled with Ronni Hartvig’s retirement, Vukanac found himself in the heart of our defence. Guided by the experience of Branko Nisevic, Nikola is becoming a favourite with the supporters, especially for his solid performances and his determination. When asked what he felt as soon as he scored the goal, he replied: “I was very happy, it’s my first goal for Birkirkara, and I wanted to share it with my fans. I felt that I should celebrate with the Ultras, as they give me support all the time.” Having been an active member of the Red Star Belgrade ultras, he did not find any difficulty in stating: “I like ultras a lot. I am a Red Star Belgrade ultra’, and used to attend every match. Now that I am here I really like Birkirkara Ultras as well! The Ultras help the players a lot, without them it would be much harder.” 
He ended our short interview by launching an appeal to all Birkirkara faithful: “Believe in our team. We can go far this season, and keep attending more and more. Attend every match because with you, we can do everything!” Let us do so right from next Sunday against Hamrun Spartans! 2010 promises to be a satisfying year for our club. This does not mean we will be winning silverware as a certainty but with hard work and unity, our club can once again establish itself as a major force in Maltese football with the best support on the island! Happy New Year to Everyone! Want to comment about this article? Click here |