 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
One down, but still nine to goby Jonathan Spiteri02/03/2010 That’s right! One of the ten ‘finals’ as described by many, which are played by each team in the Championship Pool, is now behind us. Apparently, the defeat against Sliema in the second round was indeed the wake-up call which our players needed. Since then we saw three wins out of three, with an ongoing improvement in the team’s approach to the games. Whereas the win over Qormi in the last match before the last phase was important in order to start on par with pace-setters Valletta, it was even more important to get off to a positive start against very tough opponents. The 2-1 win against the Blues, who now lie eight points behind us and Valletta, could not be more significant. First of all in terms of points, we strengthened our position in order to secure second spot, thus ensure ourselves of playing European football again this coming summer. A draw would have kept us within shouting distance from the chasing pack, while a win for Sliema would have piled undesired pressure on the Stripes’ clan. In my opinion though, the most important aspect about this win is the fact that it came against a very strong side, the same team that gave us a football lesson and a bitter pill to swallow less than a month ago! The players, coaching staff, committee and all supporters should have now convinced themselves that this team is not just riding its luck, but working hard in order to achieve great things. 
The team, bar a few individual mistakes that could have cost us the game, gave a very good all round performance. A noticeable inclusion in the starting line-up was that of Dutch forward Sylvano Comvalius, who has made much of the newspaper headlines recently. We were all pleased to see his professional approach to this game, as he left off-the-field issues in the dressing room and was fully committed to the cause and scoring the opening goal. Judging from his celebrations, this goal really meant a lot for him: “Like every other goal, this one meant a lot for me. As a striker you want to be important and try to score vital goals for your team. I think opening the score against Sliema in the first game of the Championship Pool was very important and a boost for the whole team. I didn’t feel I was under pressure. I think that when you are still relatively young, doing well and scoring goals, it is normal that people and clubs show interest in you. I always want to prove myself, but that’s not because of other people, but to honour the club I play for, and of course, for my own career.” We asked Sylvano what he thinks about the team’s performance versus Sliema: “We played in a very mature way, and I think that’s something we are improving on every week. It’s obvious that we have the qualities to challenge for the title, but in football there are more aspects other than quality. From now on we will have 9 more finals to play, but I’m sure we’ll be up for them!” When asked whether he believed Birkirkara would be at the top position at this point of the season, he replied: “Although I had more options, I choose Birkirkara because I believed in this project. The key person behind my signiture was Mr. Paul Zammit, as I immediately endorsed his project. I think the Birkirkara technical staff, together with the committee, deserves lots of credit. Being in this position with such a young squad, which is also limited in numbers, is already an achievement.” For Comvalius, our support is essential and really appreciates what we do as a group, but expects that the general supporters to come to the stadium in larger numbers: “I think the most important thing about supporters who call themselves ‘Ultras’ is that they support their team through thick & thin, and that’s what our Ultras are doing. They are always there, and for a team that’s very encouraging.” He added: “We have good support, but since we are the biggest town in Malta, I believe we can improve on it. We are playing the best football in Malta, and not just for the last couple of games, but during the whole season. Therefore, we deserve to have the best and largest crowd! Come all to the stadium to support us, and stand behind us. Be our 12th player!! Together we can make history!!” 
Sylvano’s words can only inject a good dose of optimism within whoever reads them, but still we cannot get over-enthusiastic. There is still a long, up-hill struggle awaiting us. Never mind we cruised past Qormi in the two occasions we met them, as I am sure they will be a tougher proposition. The Yellows from Citta’ Pinto will be eager to obtain three points which will haul them back in contention for second place and, why not, keep their slim title hopes alive. I believe that if our players approach this match with the right mentality and be careful in doing what Mr Paul Zammit requires from them, we can make it three out of three over Mr Jesmond Zerafa’s side, thus moving away from them up in the table and then watch proceedings as Valletta take on Hibernians in the second game on Saturday afternoon. I really hope Sylvano’s appeal does not fall on deaf ears, and that on Saturday we can outnumber the Qormi fans for the first time this season. It is imperative to stay behind the team even if things are not going the way we would like them to. These players deserve it as they are giving everything in order to keep the club’s colours high up! COME ON YELLOWS!! |