Frank Temile is eager to recapture his best form with Birkirkara. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

After all the clamour about his move to Birkirkara, Frank Temile is determined to do his talking on the pitch as he prepares to make his bow for the Stripes in tomorrow’s Champions League match against Slovenian side NK Maribor at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

Temile’s return to Maltese football was always going to generate a fair amount of interest, given the terrific impact he had on Valletta and their successful Premier League title campaign in his breakthrough season in 2007/08.

Aged only 17 at the time, Temile quickly forged a reputation as the wonderkid of Maltese football and, only months after his senior debut for the Citizens, the youngster was on his way to Ukraine to join Dynamo Kiev on a five-year deal.

His spell at Dynamo was not entirely rosy as a cruciate operation derailed his progress but Temile is now looking forward to relaunching his career with Birkirkara, starting with tomorrow’s difficult encounter with the Slovenian champions.

“I’m very excited really,” the softly-spoken Temile said of his impending Birkirkara debut in tomorrrow’s Champions League match.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m prepared to do my best to help the team gain a positive result. The game is going to be special because it’s a Champions League fixture and I just want to enjoy the experience.”

Temile is still getting used to his new environs as he only started training with Birkirkara earlier this month but his early impressions are very positive.

“I’m enjoying it,” Temile replied when asked to comment on his experience as a Birkirkara player.

“Birkirkara have a strong team with lots of good players and a good coach (Paul Zammit). I’m adapting very quickly thanks to the support of the coach and the players.”

Although Temile is naturally eager to regain the confidence and flair that marked his electric performances during his one season with Valletta, then under the guidance of Zammit, he insisted that his objective is to enjoy his football.

“My experience with Dynamo Kiev was neither all bad nor all good,” Temile said.

“I had an injury which kept me sidelined for a long time.

“Now I want to get my fitness back as well as my happiness. I just want to enjoy my football again.

“I’m still young. I want to make the most of every adventure that comes my way. When you’ve been out the amount of time I have, you see things from a different perspective.”

Despite his struggles to establish himself in Dynamo Kiev’s first team, Temile, who turns 23 today, has no regrets about the time he spent in Ukraine.

“It was a good period in my career,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to play with some really top players. As I said, not all the things that happened to me during my time with Dynamo Kiev were bad.

“If it was not for the injury, I wouldn’t have been in this situation but I still thank God for helping me come so far.”

Birkirkara move

If news of Temile’s switch to Birkirkara was music to the ears of the club’s fans, not so can be said of the Valletta faithful. Given that Temile rose to prominence during his short spell with Valletta, many expected him to return ‘home’ once he made up his mind to continue his career in Malta but that was not forthcoming.

Temile was initially reluctant to discuss the issue but, having been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism, he did spell out the two main reasons behind his decision to sign for Birkirkara.

“There were a number of reasons,” Temile remarked.

“First and foremost, I know the coach very well and, at this stage of my career, I need to work with someone who knows me.

“Also, I didn’t get the support I expected from the administration of Valletta.

“Six months ago, I was expecting to join the club but they pulled out at the last minute.

“I felt that I deserved some respect from the club after what we had done together. People have said many things but they don’t know the facts.

“I’d never rule out the possi-bility of playing for Valletta again in the future but this will only happen if they show me love and respect.

“At this moment in time, I only want to concentrate on my football.”

Temile is clearly determined to get back to his best and a return to the country where it all started represented the best option.

“I received offers from some first division clubs in Ukraine but I wanted to play in Malta,” Temile said.

“I have many friends here and the weather is good.

“I feel at home in Malta.”