Record man Sultana still 'hungry' to succeed

Stefan Sultana was said to be in the home stretch of his illustrious football career a long while ago but the veteran Hamrun Spartans striker has ignored conventional wisdom by playing on well into his 30s.

It's just as well he did for Sultana has not only helped the Spartans regain their Premier League status last season, he has also established a string of impressive milestones en route.

Having eclipsed Tony Nicholl's record of 173 goals in top-division football back in February 2003, Sultana recently set a new mark for number of official appearances in local football.

His participation in Hamrun's creditable Premier League 2-2 draw against Birkirkara last Friday was his 511th overall, two more than the previous record held by Kris Laferla who figured in a total of 509 matches for Valletta and Sliema Wanderers.

This new landmark is indeed a remarkable and deserving achievement for Sultana who, apart from his undoubted footballing attributes, has always been bracketed among the most exemplary players in the domestic game.

Speaking to The Times yesterday, Sultana revealed the true motivation behind his decision to keep playing at the ripe age of 39.

"My goal has always been to end my career while I'm still playing in the Premier League," Sultana said, dropping the first hint that this season could be his last.

"Coming off a good season in Division One, I felt I still had something to offer to the team. I was also fully aware that holding down a regular berth in the first XI would not be easy but I haven't lost the appetite to fight for a place.

"I am never happy when I'm not in the first team but I see that as a positive thing, a sign that my hunger and enthusiasm has not wavered one bit."

Sultana is justifiably delighted about his latest record but he admits that his position as Malta's all-time leading scorer gives him more pride.

"The goals record is more satisfying," said Sultana, who has scored 188 goals in the Premier League and a total of 250 in all competitions.

"I'm also glad to have set a new record for appearances in local football, moreso when taking into account that I've spent most of my career with a top club like Hamrun Spartans (Sultana's only spell away from Hamrun was with Hibs between 1998 and 2001).

"We have had our fair share of upsets in the last decade or so but Hamrun are still one of the biggest clubs in Malta."

After their relegation from the elite division in 2005-06, the Spartans secured an immediate return to the Premier League as Division One champions last season.

Judging by their performances and results so far in the league, Hamrun look a solid bet to avoid the drop as they are currently fifth in the standings with 10 points from six matches.

The Spartans have certainly looked at ease in their 'new' habitat but Sultana sounded a note of caution.

"We have made a fairly good start to the season but there's still a long way to go," Sultana said.

"It has been a balanced league so far and all teams have opened their account. All sides have shown that, on their day, they can hold their own against any opposition as Mqabba did when they beat Sliema.

"As far as we're concerned, we can be reasonably satisfied with our progress so far but we shouldn't get carried away."

How does Sultana rate Hamrun's chances of booking their place in the Championship Pool?

"Much will depend on the outcome of the direct clashes," Sultana replied.

"The indications are that all teams are well equipped to offer a strong challenge for a place in the Championship Pool."

Added responsibilities and experience

As club captain and the most experienced player in the squad, Sultana has added responsibilities but the former Malta striker feels that the young elements in the team also have the necessary experience to cope with the increased pressures of competing in the Premier League.

"I'm the captain and oldest player in the squad, so it's only natural that I feel a greater sense of responsibility.

"However, our young players have been in the first squad for a number of years and are experienced enough to make their mark in the league."

Although Sultana is still a key figure in the Spartans' team, he is the first to acknowledge that he's approaching the end of the road.

May 2008 is likely to be the month Sultana brings the curtains down on his career.

"There is a 99 per cent chance that this will be my last season as a player," Sultana said.

"I say 99 per cent just to give myself that one per cent leeway in case I change my mind.

"Physically, my fitness level is good but obviously, I feel more tired after games than I used to when I was younger.

"I decided to keep playing because I was prepared and willing to train with the rest of my team-mates every single day. If I had not been ready to undertake this commitment, I would have stopped there and then."

Like most of his fellow peers, past and present, Sultana intends to stay in the game as a coach. In fact, he has already obtained the UEFA A coaching badge.

"I already have a coaching role within the Hamrun nursery," Sultana said.

"I'm pleased with the way the nursery is developing under my guidance and that of Marco Grech.

"I had offers to coach senior teams but first I want to gain experience by coaching youngsters."

Hamrun should indeed consider themselves privileged to have a person of Sultana's ability and dedication in their ranks, both as a player and a coach. As for his national standing, Sultana's name is bound to be inscribed in the annals of Maltese football for many decades to come.