Interview with Ramon Schembri

1. How long have you been a Naxxar Lions player and what made you choose this club?

I started playing with Naxxar Lions when I was 16. My cousin Andrew Catania, who also plays with Naxxar Lions, convinced me to join the nursery. I spent a year playing Under 16, went on loan for a year with Tarxien Rainbows Under 18 and returned with Naxxar Lions Under 18 where I made my debut in the Premier Division against Floriana.

2. Which are the moments in your career that you mostly treasure?

There are various moments in my career that I treasure:

• My first match with Naxxar Lions in the Premier Division. I couldn’t breathe that day and I was tired after just 5 minutes. It was great.
• When I scored against Mosta when we won 4-0.
• The last season with Tarxien Rainbows when we won the decider against Msida St. Joseph and eventually kept our place in the Premier Division.
• And of course, last season’s match when we drew 3-3 against Zejtun Corinthians after we played the last 20 minutes with 9 players. With this draw we kept fighting for the league.

3. After playing for Tarxien Rainbows in the Premier Division, what made you come back with Naxxar last season?

After playing in the Premier Division, I never imagined that I would play in the Third Division with Naxxar Lions. It never crossed my mind actually. I remember when Dione Drago and coach Alex Delia called me to discuss their project for the future of team, building a strong squad for Naxxar Lions to be back to the Premier Division. They both left an impact on me and with their professional attitude convinced me to come back an be part of this dream.

4. What were your expectations for the past season?

My expectations at the beginning of the season were to reach the playoffs of section B. The season started well and we kept winning and playing well, match after match, so my expectations changed and I wanted to win section B and be declared champions. Unfortunately, although we finished top of the table, we had to go through playoffs to win promotion.

5. Now that the season ended, do you regret coming back?

Of course not. I am looking forward for the next season even though I am going to miss the first matches because of my recovery. I am looking forward to captain the team again and try to win the promotion to the First Division.

6. What did you like most of the last season? And what didn’t you like?

I mostly liked the way the coach changed this team into a great one, with a winning mentality, ready to fight for each ball and play its heart out. I did not like the fact that unfortunately, some of us did not change their mentality into a winning one. Also, I would have liked to train earlier as it was a bit late, especially for us who do not live close by.

7. During the match against Xaghjra Tornadoes you suffered an injury that prevented you from playing for the rest of the season. What passed through your mind on that day?

My first thought after the injury was that I was going to miss the last part of the season and therefore I was not going to be able to help the team to make our dream come true. It was a very difficult moment for me but thanks to my fiancee, my family, my teammates , the committee and the coach I managed to go through that time and now I’m looking forward to wear the Naxxar Lions shirt again.

8. At the end of the season you were nominated for the award of the best player in the third division, what did this news mean to you? Were you disappointed when you did not win this award?

I was really happy and honoured. This nomination confirmed to me that what I did this season for Naxxar Lions with the help of my teammates and the coach, was something great. It is always a disappointment when you do not win but I have to think positive and try again next year. Again I must thank my teammates, the members of the committee and the coach for this great season.

9. What are your ambitions for the future? Are you going to stay with Naxxar?

My first target is to recover and start playing again as soon as possible. Then, I would like to win another promotion with Naxxar Lions to the First Division.