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On the Right Trackby Jonathan Spiteri09/03/2010 We are on the right track, but where does it lead? Some might say the League Title, and that could be the case. Most others say to secure a European berth, and this should be. In my opinion though, we are on a longer track than the one which ends this May. I am also sure that this is what Mr Paul Zammit, together with the rest o the technical staff and the committee, are thinking. And this is what should make us look forward not only to the business end of the season, but especially to the coming years. If this season was to be just a stepping stone for the ones to come, we should be in for a successful era. 
This does not mean that our team should rest on its laurels. The stature of this club and the passion of its supporters demand Birkirkara to have a go while at it. All those involved within the club should see this as a golden opportunity to pull off something as big as unexpected, which would remain sculptured in Maltese Football for the years to come. Still this should not be considered as a burden by the coach and players. They should bear in mind that it is Valletta who are between the hammer and the anvil, as they cannot afford to miss out on the Championship and the knock-out competitions for the second year running. They have spent big this time round, with the aim of running away with the title and win the other cups at stake. Well they are still on course to win what there is left to win, but are being given a torrid time by our lads, and we hope this will carry on until the very end. This year’s club policy, one which was endorsed in previous articles, is that to give several youngsters a good run of first team football. Both players coming up from our nursery and others being brought in from smaller clubs have surely given an added value to our squad. Undoubtedly, former Pieta’ Hotspurs winger Karl Pulo is a clear example of the latter category. Never a first team regular during the first round, Pulo gradually was given his chance by Mr Zammit, and he has surely proved he is one our coach can bank on. Besides having a brilliant ‘goals scored/minutes played’ ratio, his performances were always of the highest level, and gave our forward line further fantasy and pace each time he was called upon. We asked him how come he is so motivated despite not playing regularly: “Well, it starts from the moment you see your friends battling it out on the pitch. You want to do something about it, but you just can’t. You get all nervous on the bench wishing you are there with them. Then when you're on the pitch, it’s all about how much of a difference you want to be to your team mates. You go in the game to give your friends a breather.” 
This motivation surely derives from the fact that there is great team spirit in the side: “I consider this particular team as a second family for me. It is not just on the pitch, but even outside. We tend to meet a lot during the week too. I believe we can achieve anything in Maltese football, but then again we all know luck plays a big part in football.” Karl went on to say that “the atmosphere during training is Like no other. Speaking for myself, I love attending training. We joke around yet when it is time to work we put our heads into it and get it right. Normally after training we have a small treat ready for us thanks to Shaun (Bajada). So there again we sit down and have a chat and mainly tell a joke or two.” Even though this is just his first season at the Club, Pulo already has some fond memories: “It’s very hard to choose really. If I had to speak about my goals, each one of them was special for me, but my favourite memory has to be the first goal, the one against Hibernians. I went in for about ten minutes, and we were losing 2-0 with a man down! Trevor (Cilia) scored, and then right off I find myself chipping the ball in the net and running off celebrating. It was special and also very important for me that evening because it was my first time I left my mark with Birkirkara F.C.” Finally, as we usually do when interviewing a player, we asked Karl Pulo what he thinks about our group: “The Ultras’ support, together with the crowd itself, play 30, maybe even 40% of the game on the day. When we go out, our first boost is given to us by our supporters. As soon as we hear and see you, adrenaline kicks in. Special praise goes to you Ultras. You are truly special and united. You are a proper example of what we are: determined and hungry for success.” He then turned his focus on Birkirkara’s support in general, which is on the increase: “Well I have to speak honestly here: we deserve it. And if we deserve it that means we are playing good football. That also means that supporters are getting what they deserve, that is total commitment towards the club. I thank you for believing in us and we all know believing is the first step for success. So let us keep on believing no matter what happens. Thanks again for your support. It means so much for us.” Karl also took this opportunity to give credit: “Besides you supporters, I would like to say thanks to my team mates, our coach Mr Zammit and his staff, the committee and all those involved at Birkirkara FC!” 
Karl Pulo said he has got fond memories of his first goal, which was scored against Hibernians. Coincidentally our next game is against the current champions, who seem to have lost any chance of defending the title they obtained last season, much to the surprise of local football pundits. It has become recurring for us to say that it has been a long time since we last beat the Paolites in the league, but I am sure this time round we have what it takes to overcome this jinx. On the other hand, we must go into this game with the correct approach, as we have done in our last games, as Hibernians possess all the qualities to punish us if we are careless, as they have already done in the last couple of years. I expect our players to enter each of the remaining games as if they were to battle for their lives. They must feel though that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, since no one expected them to be in this position. I believe that, as Pulo stated, this group of players deserves to have all Karkarizi behind them. We have recently seen an increase in attendances, but we are used to a much larger yellow and red crowd. My appeal for you all is not only to head to Ta’ Qali yourself, but encourage your relatives, friends and all those who have this team at heart to come and support this team. COME ON YELLOWS!! |