Team unity key to Qormi's survival says Zerafa

Sunday, May 3, 2009 was a red-letter day for Qormi FC.

A 2-0 win over Ħamrun Spartans in a decisive Relegation Pool encounter sparked great scenes of joy among the hundreds of Qormi fans who were at the National Stadium on Sunday as the Yellow-Blacks reached their objective of retaining their place in the top flight of Maltese football.

This achievement has added significance for Qormi as this was their first campaign in the Premier League. Throughout the season, cynics had tipped Qormi for an immediate return to the first division despite the club's significant investment in new players.

However, the Premier League newcomers defied the odds and, inspired by the scoring heroics of Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong, they won their last three Relegation Pool matches to ensure another season in the Premier League.

Coach Jesmond Zerafa is the mastermind behind Qormi's fairytale story this season. The former Valletta player managed to assemble an experienced squad by bringing in several players who were eager to prove their worth after difficult spells with more-quoted teams.

For Zerafa, this was his second season in charge of Qormi after helping the team to an historic promotion to the Premier League in 2007-08.

"Staying in the Premier League has to be regarded as the biggest achievement in Qormi's history so far," Zerafa told The Times yesterday.

"Promotion to the Premier League was a milestone for our club but to stay in the top division was a greater challenge. Our dream has come true.

"This season's Relegation Pool has been the toughest for many years as all the four teams possessed skilful players and there was very little between them.

"On Sunday, we faced a tough task against Ħamrun Spartans. It's true that they had several key players missing but they still offered a very valid challenge. However, my players were exceptional. They managed to keep hold of their nerves during the 90 minutes to claim a famous victory for our club."

According to Zerafa, the turning point for Qormi in the Relegation Pool was their 2-1 defeat to Ħamrun which left them needing to win virtually all their remaining matches to avoid the drop.

"That was a very difficult time for us," Zerafa said.

"With three matches to go, we knew that we had to win them all to stay up. Our chances were written off by many but it was at this criticial stage of the season, that the real character of the team came to the fore.

"The players and coaching staff worked hand-in-hand and increased our efforts to improve the team's precarious position. Team unity was instrumental in our survival bid.

"Credit should also be given to our fans who stayed close to the team. It's also thanks to their constant backing that we have reached our target."

As regards his future, Zerafa, whose two-year contract with Qormi expires at the end of this month, is still undecided. He intends to assess his options during his holidays.

"My priority at the moment is to take a short break," Zerafa said.

"I've worked very hard these past two years and I definitely need a breather after all the exertions of what has been a demanding season. The Qormi president has already indicated that he's willing to discuss a new contract but I've also received offers from other clubs which I'm considering.

"However, I will take my time before making a decision."

As we approached the end of the interview, Zerafa expressed his gratitude to all the persons who helped him this season.

"First and foremost I would like to thank all the players and my coaching staff who have made huge sacrifices to reach this objective," he said.

"I'm also grateful to our president Matthew Fenech and the other committee members for their backing in the last two years.

"A big thank you also goes to my family for their morale support, especially in the last few weeks. Last but not least, I want to thank the fans. Their love for the team stood out this season and I will cherish all the memories for the rest of my life."