We still have a long way to go – Sultana

Ħamrun Spartans were in freefall when Stefan Sultana took over the reins of the team following the resignation of Jesmond Zammit in the first week of February.

A club legend after spending most of his goal-laden career with the Spartans, the 43-year-old Sultana answered the committee’s SOS call despite knowing that the team faced a titanic task to keep their place in the top flight as, at the time, Ħamrun were languishing at the foothills of the table after a 2-0 defeat to Mqabba.

The Spartans are still a long way from survival but the omens are very encouraging as Sultana has masterminded a revival that has significantly improved the team’s hopes of avoiding the drop.

Further proof of Ħamrun’s progress came on Sunday when they recorded their first win over Qormi this season after two successive upsets.

Sultana singled out his team’s spirited comeback in the two-all draw with Mosta in their opening Relegation Pool match as the catalyst for the Reds’ improved form.

“The match against Mosta filled us with confidence,” Sul-tana told The Times.

“Coming back from two goals down to take a draw was a psy-chological boost. It’s important that the players believe more in themselves because, in the Relegation Pool, anyone can beat anyone because the teams are very close.”

Sunday’s victory was met with jubilation by the numerous Spartans fans as their team moved four points clear of the relegation trapdoor but Sultana was at pains to slam the brakes on any soaring expectations.

“The players are well aware that we still have a long way to go,” Sultana said.

“I’m always trying to drum home that message. The issue is still wide open... we’re only four points clear of second-bottom place but there are still 21 points up for grabs.

“Furthermore, we’ve already played our first Relegation Pool match against Marsaxlokk (bottom side) and we must always keep that in mind.”

While acknowledging that the derby win has further enhanced the feelgood factor at Ħamrun, Sultana admitted that he’d have had no qualms had the match ended in a draw.

“Beatint a direct rival helps to maintain the enthusiasm,” Sultana said.

“We have another difficult match coming up, against Tarxien. They are one of the best teams in this group and their foreign players can make the difference.

“Going back to the Qormi game, they are first in the Relegation Pool but we’re now only one point behind them. However, I have to admit that had the game finished in a draw, it would have been a fair result.”

Sultana is still cutting his coaching teeth as this is his first job at the helm of a senior team but he has made a very encouraging start as Ħamrun have only lost once in six games since the former Malta forward, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 195 goals, succeeded Zammit.

“This is my first stint as coach at senior level but I’ve been part of the technical staff of this club for a long time, even when Jesmond Zammit was the coach,” Sultana said.

“Obviously, you have more responsibility when you’re in charge but you also have the possibility to do things your own way.

“I must admit that it’s been a big step-up but with the assistance of Marco Grech, we’re doing our best to see the team through.”

The status of Sultana and Grech as two of the most successful and loyal players in the history of Ħamrun Spartans ensured that they commanded instant respect in the dressing room.

Both Sultana and Grech are well acquainted with the environment and know how much the team means to the fans.

“It’s important to transmit that to the players,” Sultana said.

“We know what the fans expect of every player that wears the Ħamrun shirt because we’ve spent our life at this club.

“We are trying to instil this enthusiasm and love for the club into the players. You can’t relax here because the expectations are always high.”

The current state of affairs in the Relegation Pool sees five teams in a tight group with Marsaxlokk a further four points adrift at the bottom.

Sultana believes that the rele-gation issue will become clearer as the competition intensifies.

“I think we’ll have a clear indication when there are only three games left,” he said.

“I’m anticipating a fierce contest, particularly to avoid the second relegation slot.”