Tomorrow evening, UoM Futsal are facing Sliema Futsal in an encounter which is likely to decide which of the two teams will be the 5th team to join the Elite Division, together with Luxol, Valletta, Swieqi and Hamrun.
Thus, on the eve of this decisive match, The Third Eye conducted a brief interview with UoM Futsal Coach, Kyle Sultana.
What are you expecting from tomorrow’s match?
I am expecting a tough encounter against a strong Sliema side, which is going through a very positive form. We are underdogs in this clash so we must make sure to be in our best form to obtain the result we want. They have 4 quality foreigners in their ranks and the Maltese players are also ones that need to be respected. However I believe we can match their level on the day. From our end, it will be a question of mentality. We are doing our best to approach it in the best possible manner. To win matches like these one needs Belief, Cunningness and Skill, in that order.
Leo Muscat is still suspended for tomorrow’s match, following his dismissal against Hamrun. How far do you think that his absence could determine tomorrow’s match?
Leo is a quality player with great potential. Needless to say his absence will be felt. However I am sure that those replacing him will be doing a good job tomorrow.
Do you agree with those who describe tomorrow’s match as the most important fixture in the history of University’s Futsal Team?
No, each match carries the same amount of points regardless of the opposition. If we did not win the matches we played before we wouldn’t be in this position. What makes this one unique is the timing. Nobody envisaged us challenging for the elite spot this year. When I was appointed as head coach 3 years ago, I was handed the task of building a team that competes for a first division promotion in 3 years. Now we are in a position to challenge for the 5th spot. I can say that we are exceeding our own expectations and also the expectation of other teams. I am very proud of what our club has accomplished already so far. A lot of work has been put in by the players, the coaching team, the committee and supporters across these 3 years. Each team has a story; we are doing our best to make ours a beautiful one.
What is your final message towards the supporters ahead of tomorrow’s encounter?
The importance of the fan support is undervalued and unfortunately it is the fans themselves that do not appreciate their own importance. I cannot stress enough the importance of having people coming to the match. Even more important than that is having a noisy atmosphere. Having a large silent crowd will not push us that far. A small noisy one does. It can give us a massive boost. The crowd support may help us make that extra run or tackle harder. It gives us confidence. Now imagine what a large noisy crowd can do. The Msida match is one example. Let’s hope that tomorrow’s match will be another positive one.