Simon Zahra bids farewell to Birkirkara FC

by Ayrton Galea - 23rd February 2011

Simon Zahra was released by the Club last Monday. We decided to interview Simon to find out what has been going on.

Simon opened this interview by saying "I'm basically leaving due to the fact that I'm now counted as a foreigner, and not a Maltese player. This fact will reduce my game time, where as before it wasn't an issue. I was going to stay with Birkirkara F.C. regardless, but I was offered a deal I couldn't refuse from my new team back home, so I took it."

Simon then described his experience our island. "I've had a great time in Malta, and I can tell this is true because time has flown by so quickly! I've made a lot of great new friends and I love the country! The people are nice, food is great, and weather is beautiful, you just can't go wrong in a place like that."

We asked Simon if there was a lot of difference between his previous clubs and Birkirkara FC. Simon replied, "Not too much difference. There seems to be a lot of passion behind the Club, which I believe is one of the most important factors to having success. Thanks largely to Coach Paul Zammit, who is a great man and a brilliant coach, the Club is becoming more professional rapidly. With professional facilities and surroundings, the team is able to reach its maximum potential more consistently, and Coach Paul is taking these steps to achieve this goal."

We also asked Simon about how he got on with his team mates. He said "They're all great! All the boys made me feel welcome right away. Every one contributes which is why team spirit has been high since I first arrived. Got to say Emiliano Lattes, Michael Fraser and Nikola Vukanac helped me settle in the most from the foreign boys, because in a sense they were in the same boat as me, being away from home, so I guess we kind of helped each other settle in. But I have to say Joseph Zerafa is the funniest bloke in the team, he's classic. I mean no one has a higher pitch scream than that man."

We then turned our focus to Maltese football in general. "I think football is improving in Malta, more and more. There are some very talented local boys in the league that are great assets for the future of Maltese Football. I believe the foreign players take the level of football to another level; it's more and more technical, which again is great for evolving the game in Malta. Of course there is a lot of room to make the game even stronger in Malta, but I believe the foundation needs to be set first before the game improves rapidly."

We then asked Simon if he reckons that Birkirkara is still with a chance to win the league. "Honestly, I do. There are a few games left to play, and only two wins away from being first. Football is a funny game, and only a fool would say there's no chance. The pressure is on Valletta now, they already dropped two points last week. Maybe they're starting to feel the pinch. On their day, I believe Birkirkara are the best team in the competition, with the best coach, hands down. The talent in that dressing room is overwhelming, and I know the boys are going to fight until the end. I wish them the best of luck!"

Simon concluded this interview with a rather emotional message to the supporters. "I'd like to say thanks to all the Birkirkara supporters for all their tremendous support through out my time as one of 'The Stripes'. They are the best fans in the league and they will always hold a special place in my heart! I can tell them that the boys and the coaching staff are doing every thing they can to bring success to this proud club this season! Make your voice heard at the remaining games, as that may contribute heavily on whether the boys bring the title and trophy where they belong. I love you all and will miss you all!"

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