Interview with Zach Muscat

by Ayrton Galea - 5th September 2012

For this week's interview we decided to talk to one of our players who joined our Club in this Summer Transfer Market, the promising youngster Zach Muscat.

Zach joined our Club on the 7 August and he made his debut in the first league match on Monday, 20 August in the comfortable 4-0 victory over Melita With Zach we talked about his personal life, his move to our Club and how is he feeling after the first month and about other interesting things.

Who is Zach Muscat?

Born on the 22 August 1993, presently 19 years of age. I live both in Sliema and Bahar ic-Caghaq. I'm not one to judge my own character but I'm all about family and keeping good friends in my life.

Football apart, what do you do in life?

I'm currently in my second year at the University of Malta studying architecture.

What are your hobbies?

Rather than just football, I'm into several sports. I'll have a game of water-polo or tennis any day (as long as I have no football commitments on the day!).

Do you have a role model? Who, and why?

Ronaldo Luíz Nazário de Lima . Even though like everyone he had his mishaps in life. He is a footballing genius who, in my opinion, never got the limelight he deserved! Fighting back from every injury he sustained and kept fighting through all he was faced with.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

"It's not about simply putting a shirt on, but keeping it on"

Do you follow international football? If yes, which is your favourite nation when it comes to football, and which is your favourite foreign Club?

I have been following from a very young age and as I said earlier, Ronaldo is my idol, therefore I started and still do side with the teams he was with when my interest in him started, Brazil and Inter.

At what age did you start playing football?

I cannot tell you myself however I am told I started just before the age of 3.

Can you tell us a bit about your past experiences?

Starting with Luxol st.Andrew's, to Melita, to Pieta and presently Birkirkara FC. I have been at many different environments and met many different people, helping me broaden my understanding of life, on and of the pitch. Through the past 16 years of playing football I have had many ups! I don't really consider my downs because if you think about it, they are what make you stronger! I have had the opportunity of being called up for several foreign matches with the national team and I am thankful for every experience.

How difficult is it to find a balance between football and personal life?

I cannot say it is easy, not actually with personal life, more with my studies, however I have learnt a lot from the pressure of keeping track of time and meeting deadlines and also thanks to the help (or rather nagging of my parents) I learnt to push myself over several obstacles in life.

You form part of the Under 21 National Squad. Which is your favourite game so far and why?

My most memorable match would be our first qualifier against Lithuania away winning 2-1 after a 0-0 draw to Finland. The atmosphere and energy after the match was impeccable, however there is another international match always at the back of my mind etching away all other memories. Winning 2-1 v Netherlands which paved the way to a first ever qualification for a Maltese team in a UEFA competition. Nothing beats that!

Why did you choose to join our Club?

I had a long deliberation with myself making sure the move was right. In fact I spent the pre-season working without a club, to postpone the decision as much as possible, to make sure it is the right one. I think that for myself, the atmosphere, staff and players, Birkirkara was the right decision, and so far all that has been confirmed.

How difficult is it to adjust from playing for a club in the 1st Division to a Premier League club who is targeting for the main honours?

To tell you the truth that was my first concern, if I was ready for such a big leap. However when you have the encouragement of certain players and the will to move forward it all comes together and especially, with the support Birkirkara has!

How do you describe your experience with our Club so far?

A high-standard, warm, welcoming squad, with a backing of great support!

What are your personal targets with our Club?

As a defender I'm taking every game as it comes and my first priority is keeping as many clean sheets as possible, having succeeded on 2 occasions out of the first 3 matches. I'm not pressuring myself with big targets for now, but as the league goes on this might change.

How would you describe your relationship with Head Coach Mr. Zammit and the rest of the technical staff?

As a very professional coach, he knows when it's time for being serious, having a laugh and keeping intensity of our preparations high. Being one of the youngsters and above all a new player, I had to adapt to a new style of play in a short amount of time and he, along with our assistant coach, helped me and is still there to adjust the little things which make the difference at this level. Regarding the staff, again everyone was welcoming and they make the training grounds a second home.

Who is your favourite team mate?

Apart form already knowing some of them I've become close to several team mates, however, I would say Ryan Scicluna. Having him with me in the U21 national squad also makes it easier and we spend a lot of time together.

What are your comments on the team's general performance against Rabat? You played in a right back position. Were you comfortable in that role?

Not having our main strikers up front was always going to be a set-back , however being a defender, a clean sheet is always positive ! We had a shaky second half, but that's something we have to work on, keeping our tempo to match and be better than our opponents. I've played as right-back before, with the national U21 squad, so I cannot say it was a new position, however it is not my favourite either. The central role is one I prefer more, but as things were, I was needed as a right back and that was not a problem for me.

So far we gained maximum points from the first three games, which without doubt, raised the team's spirit and optimism. However, how important is it to keep our feet on the ground?

Having 3 out of 3 wins gives us a morale boost as always, however it also puts pressure to keep on the same track . It is up to us to channel that pressure and use it in our favour as in most occasions we will be the favourites on the pitch but it does not mean that we have a sure win. That part is up to us!

What are your comments for the next match against Floriana?

Simply playing our game, following our instructions as closely as possible and joining forces to get our 3 points, will surely pave the wave for 4 out of 4.

Do you have a message for the supporters?

Being my first year in Premier, I never had such support and especially on my debut without a doubt it brought me to an emotional state. All I can say is that without them we are a player less on the pitch. They are as important as we are, as they pick us up when we are down, and only together can we succeed!

comments powered by Disqus