Sport • 01 DECEMBER 2002

‘Promotion will be fought between Mqabba, Msida, Balzan and ourselves’

Most of the Maltese referees and assistant referees are not up to standard. They need to be better trained because human mistakes are one thing and silly mistakes are another. Speaking to RAY ABDILLA, Senglea President Dr Vincent Zammit also said that while he believes in his current squad, he would love to see Senglea having its own decent sports ground and training facilities.

How long have you been president of Senglea AFC?
I have been President of this club on two occasions. The first time from 1973 to 1977 during which period the club won promotion to the top league for the first time in its history and now for the past two years.

How do you generate your money for your team? Do you fork it out of your own pocket?
It is very hard for a small club like ours to generate much cash. We have been lucky enough to find The Athlete's Club to provide us with a modest sponsorship for the past two years. Without this help we would have found it well nigh impossible to keep our heads above water. We work on a very tight financial budget and we always make this clear to all our players but we have always honoured our commitments in full and on time. I know that thankfully our players are very understanding about our limitations and respect us for not failing them in our promises. Like all presidents when the books become too red one has to dig into ones own pockets and help in some way to lighten the burden on the club.

Did you want to be President or was there someone who influenced your decision?
I have had a fairly long association with SAFC. I started as its Medical Officer in 1966 and then in 1973 it seemed only natural that I take the hot seat. Between 1977 and 1997 I lived and worked in the UK. On my return to Malta I was encouraged by a group of friends to take over at the helm again. I was re-elected president in the year 2000.

I was born and bred like the rest of my family in Senglea. I was married in 1966 and lived and worked in Senglea until 1977. All my four children who are now married and live in Wales were born in Senglea. I now reside in Attard but my ties to Senglea remain as strong as ever. I still enjoy immensely practising in Senglea. I fell so at ease and welcome.

What are the pros and cons of being a President of a First Division Club?
I have always loved sports and as a youngster of no more than 10 years I participated very actively in football, tennis, athletics and table tennis. Sport to me is like a religion. The latter is essential for our spiritual wellbeing whilst the former for our mental and physical wellbeing. Football and the regatta are an integral part of the social life of the people in Senglea and I feel very proud to feel part of this process.
There are numerous problems to surmount including financial, the lack of basic adequate training facilities, insufficient human resources and adequate accommodation and training areas for our nursery. However the immense support that I get from my committee members and loyal supporters gives me the strength to battle on.

What do you think are the main difference between a President of the First and Premier Division?
No doubt as one moves to a higher division the financial burden becomes heavier and heavier. Players and coaches' salaries will automatically go up and so will training expenses. However the club's income will not automatically increase in proportion to its expenses. Senglea being a small isolated city does not attract many sponsors for obvious reasons. We do not possess the means, the finances, the facilities and the human resources to become more professional in our management and administration.

Your profession is a doctor. There are not many, or maybe only a few doctors in this capacity. Why?
I think I may have been the first family doctor acting at the same time as president of a football club in the 70's but presently Balzan Youths's President Dr J Zammit Montebello is also a family doctor. The work of a family doctor is very demanding and allows very little time for other activities. Luckily I am now semi-retired and therefore can give more of my time both as President and Medical Officer of Senglea AFC. Unless one has a deep passion and love of the game very few doctors will volunteer to tackle the job.

Like a football player a President always wants to see his team improving. Do you think you have a good team or are you still looking for new players?
It would be a grave mistake for any football president to presume that he has a good team that does not require fresh blood. There are many pitfalls in this game, long-term injuries; players going off form, personality clashes and others can unbalance any strong side. Without sufficient foresight and forward planning no team will ever succeed.

What do you hate most about the game of football?
Crowd violence is without any doubt the thing I hate most in football. After all this is a sport. I don't mind the rivalry and the enthusiasm but I think it should not overspill into violence. The other thing I hate is poor officialdom. No doubt these persons like all human beings are not infallible and they perform a difficult task but sadly in Malta there are some officials who are not up to standard and need to concentrate more on the game to avoid the gross errors that they sometimes commit.

Do you think there is a big difference between the two top divisions in Malta?
There is, in my opinion, a wide gap between the top four teams in the premier and those in the first division but the gap between the rest is not too wide. However any promoted side will have to fight hard for its survival and unless it has the financial backing to strengthen its squad will struggle to survive.

Who do you think will be the main contenders for promotion to the Premier League this season?
As things look at the moment there are four sides fighting for the two honours. Mqabba have impressed me a lot so far with their compact game. Balzan are a strong side whilst Msida St Joseph can never be discounted. As far as Senglea AFC is concerned, our performances so far have been above expectations and if we keep our composure and resist outside interference we fancy our chances.

Have you ever played football?
Yes, very much so as a student at St Edward's college and as an undergraduate at the Royal University of Malta.

Do you remember the first match Senglea played under your presidency?
If you are referring to this season I certainly do. We played against Rabat Ajax, a team with experienced players who played in both the Premier and First Division Leagues. Beating such a team in our very first outing was a great psychological boost. It gave us the necessary conviction that we could be among the best.

Which is the best match you think Senglea has played under your Presidency?
As usual our games with Msida St Joseph are always tight and this year's fixture was no exception. Had it not been for a gross error of judgement by a touchline official we would have been the worthy winners.

What are your dreams? Do you think that there is a future for football in Malta?
I would like to see a flourishing nursery for both our boys and girls, as I believe this is essential for their mental, physical, social and cultural development. I would dearly love to see Senglea have its own decent sport ground and training facilities. These are my dreams but in reality they can be accomplished only if local and central authorities put their heart into it and give the necessary support.
I would like to see more and bigger sponsorship from private industries and financial assistance from the Malta Football Association. I feel that the latter does not do enough to help the smaller and poorer clubs as is done overseas.
As far as the future of football in Malta the situation is very precarious. There are many factors contributing to this situation. Poor performances of our national team and of those representing us in European competitions do not instill much enthusiasm for our local games; the football hierarchy needs to be more transparent and less omnipotent. It is too elitist and does not support or encourage the smaller teams.
TV has harmed the local game as supporters prefer being armchair fans, seeing football in a comfortable chair paying little for the spectacle. If football in Malta is to survive central government must help more especially in the early stages of our youngsters.