Birkirkara FC host Press Conference and unveil new sponsor - BetClic

by Ayrton Galea - 6th January 2011

Mr. Karm Galea, President of Birkirkara FC, opened today's press conference which was held at the Club's premises, by unveiling the new sponsor, the betting company - BetClic. He emphasized the importance of such sponsors both for the Club and for football in general.

He continued by saying that at present, the Club can say that its players are on a semi-professional scheme as they are currently training in the mornings as well as in the evenings. He explained that for the club to be more professional it needs more money and this is why sponsorship is extremely important.

Then, Mr. Michael Mifsud, the representative of BetClic said that it was an honour for the company to sponsor a club like Birkirkara FC, and for him personally even more so as he is from Birkirkara. He continued by explaining the foundation of the company, and the way it established itself.

He added that BetClic also sponsors football teams from Italy, Spain, France, Poland and Portugal. In the latter BetClic sponsor as many as 28 teams. It also sponsors teams from other sports like handball, basketball and volleyball.

He added that the company slogan is, "Bet on the best" which fits in to this scenario as Birkirkara have the ultimate aim to be the best.

He concluded by hoping that his company brings the best of luck for Birkirkara FC.

Head Coach, Mr Paul Zammit followed by saying that sponsorships like these help not just Birkirkara but the Maltese football in general, as they help raise the level.

He said that it is no wonder that even the Malta Football Association is urging the clubs to have more sponsors, and a better structure as this will be the first step for improvement.

Mr. Zammit then commented about the past one and a half years where he said that he is happy that most of the targets had been successfully reached. He added that he had found continuous backing from the committee which resulted in a strong structure. These combined efforts have resulted in Birkirkara having players who may feel comfortable and well taken care of, which is the aim of every club.

He added that although Birkirkara FC's team already has very strong potential, this will not deny new youngsters to be introduced and given opportunities to play with the team and be monitored professionally; like we have seen during last season.

On a different note, he explained the situation of the injuries, and how this streak of bad luck has been going on since the 2nd leg in the second round of the Champions League against MSK Zilina. From then onwards, he had to play without several key players like Trevor Cilia. He said that it was extremely important that this year the squad was strengthened because if not, we would have to go through several problems which may result in a worse place in the standings.

He continued by stating that in January he wants to strengthen the squad by another two signings which may be either local or foreign. He said that till now, no foreigners have as yet come on trial, but he made it clear that he wants to be certain that he will sign whoever best fits in with the squad and he shall take his time so as not to make a rash decision.

He added that the squad is an excellent one and all the players are doing all that is possible to give their best performance; and so he believes that they shall put up a tough challenge for the main honours.

He said that two matches ago, against Floriana he had to play without seven players out of twenty which is a very difficult task.

He mentioned Ryan Harding's situation. Without going into much detail he said that he is not injured but suffering from a medical condition, and the Club is still taking care of him as he is still under contract with Birkirkara.

Mr. Zammit said that although the squad is going through a substantial number of injuries, this will in no way change the Club's target, which will always remain the same: to keep challenging for the main honours.

He concluded by saying that from now on it is important to close the distance on the leaders as much as possible, so that after the points are split, the final ten matches would decide the outcome of the league. However, he said, that the first target is to secure a Championship Pool position as soon as possible. .

After, the panel took questions from the press present.

The first question was for Mr. Galea about the new sponsor and the length of the contract. He answered that it is till July 2012, in other words a season and a half. .

Then, Mr. Zammit was asked about the situation of Trevor Cilia and other players who are still injured when our next game, this weekend is against Valletta. Mr. Zammit said that Trevor Cilia has another two weeks to recover and, he has other players ruled out for this match.

He was then asked about the foreigners, and he said that in January there is no time for trials to unknown players and although he believes in the current squad, with the injuries and suspensions it is not easy to challenge Valletta and the other teams who are building a strong squad. He said that if for some reason, the two new signings are not obtained, he shall continue with his plans and introduce more youngsters.

Mr. Zammit was asked if the foreigner who will be joining 'The Stripes' is in Malta already and he answered that if anyone is thinking that Sylvano is going to join Birkirkara again then they are wrong. He added that the foreigner will be a striker and the other one is a utility player. .

As the Head Coach of the Maltese champions, he was asked for his reactions upon hearing that Robert Gatt is now the new technical director of the Malta Football Association. Mr. Zammit opened by saying that Robert really deserves this new appointment and in his opinion, he is the right person for the job. He believes that the first steps for improvement are monitoring the youths.

The last comment was from the Club's president, Mr. Karm Galea who informed those present the Esequiel Lovizon has been released by the Club.

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