'We want to keep the title in our club' - Johann Scicluna

by Ayrton Galea - 6th May 2013

Birkirkara's FC Women's Team will be facing Mosta in a decisive match tomorrow evening. This match could see the Stripes crowned champions for the second consecutive time.

Having gone through a season of roller-coaster episodes, the Stripes proved that they are a worthy champions as thanks to their strong character, they managed to arrive to the last league fixture on top of the table, joint with Mosta.

In view of this we decided to interview the Women's Coach, Mr. Johann Scicluna before this much awaited match.

We are about 24 hours away from the match that could see us crowned as champions of the Women's First Division League. What is the secret for the success which let us reach this position?

The secret is - discipline. Discipline in our set up and discipline in our game. Also, by providing a good competition between the players by using a rotating squad with different line-ups for every match. The players always had to compete with themselves in every training session they have, to fight for their place in the squad on match day.

What were the hurdles that the squad faced throughout the season, and how did the players manage to overcome them?

After a non-stop season last year, then taking part in champions league, and another non-stop season this year my players, and sometimes even myself, we tired mentally.

Also, by having a young squad it means that several players also have to concentrate on their studies, as most of them are still students. Besides that we have players who are shift-workers and those who work in catering.

So, all in all, it was a very hard season but as always, the team had the attitude to get out of every situation and this is what we will do tomorrow as we want to keep the title in our club.

What are your comments about our last match? What were the positive aspects of the match?

I was expecting a delicate match, as Gozo always do their best to make us lose points. We found a team who instead of kicking the ball was more delighted to kick our players.

The positive aspect is that in the Championship Pool we are the team who gained the most points and we're still unbeaten in this phase. Personally, I think this is the difference between us and Mosta.

How is the squad preparing for the match? How is the atmosphere between the players?

The atmosphere is always the same for the team during the league because I prepare them for every game like it's a final. We do our homework, than we test ourselves in the pitch.

Do you believe that despite having players suspended, we can still win this match?

Of course I believe that. I used all the players not only throughout this season but even last season so all players forming part of this team are mature enough to handle every situation during the match.

Support is always important, especially in these type of matches. What is your message for the supporters?

My message is that for all the effort done throughout the whole season, we deserve your support. Thanks to your support, the team will have an extra player on the pitch, which will make a difference.

So come and support us. Bring banners and flags, because the cup, no matter if it is of the men or women's league, is an honour for our beloved Club.

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