The last eight months have been anything but easy for Gareth Sciberras as a series of injuries threatened to derail his career but the combative midfielder is hoping that today’s Super Cup match heralds an upturn in his fortunes.
Sciberras is gunning for a place in Birkirkara’s starting XI after overcoming his latest injury setback.
“I feel a bit emotional because, after a long absence, I’ve regained my fitness at long last,” Sciberras said yesterday.
“I’m available for this match.
“At Birkirkara, we strive to compete for every honour and the Super Cup is the first trophy of the season.
“We are determined to start on a positive note.”
It says a lot about Sciberras’s standing in the Birkirkara dressing room that the players wanted him to represent them at yesterday’s news conference as club captain.
Coach Giovanni Tedesco said: “Gareth is back in contention after being out for five to six months.
“He’s our captain and his team-mates wanted him to represent the team in this news conference.
“Gareth is an important player and above all a great person.”
The 32-year-old admitted that he struggled to come to terms with his latest injury but with the support of the club and family, he rediscovered his determination to work his way back to fitness.
“The last injury was a setback as it came in pre-season and I had to stop for a few weeks,” Sciberras, who has made 38 appearances for Malta, said.
“It was a very difficult moment for me. However, I received a lot of support from the coach and technical staff.
“I must say that Birkirkara showed me great respect. They backed me and never put any pressure on me during my recovery. The way Birkirkara treated me is how every club in Malta should respect their players when they are injured.
Family support
“With clubs now allowed to have seven foreigners, I could have easily been discarded but that was not the case.
“Fortunately, I have a family, especially my wife, who give me a lot of support.
“Thanks to them, I’m here representing my team on the eve of another important match.”