ROBERT BUSUTTIL

Valletta will be going all out to mark their debut in the UEFA Futsal Cup with a spirited showing when they meet Finland’s FS Sievi this evening in the first qualifying round Group F match at the Ylivieska Ice-Arena (kick-off 18.00).
Clayton Felice, the Citizens’ mentor, is aware that his team face a difficult task to match the host side but is eyeing a positive result in today’s encounter to keep their moral high for the remaining two matches of the group.

“Our aim is to maintain concentration throughout all the game,” Felice said.
“We will be looking to obtain a respectable result to keep our team focused for the next two matches.”
Felice can rely on some experienced players that have already played in this tournament such as captain Xavier Saliba, on his third showing in Finland, Melvin Borg and Vanderlei Reis Augusto.
They can also field Albanian international Endrit Kaca, who is relishing the prospect of a good result tonight.
When contacted by this website, Kaca knows that FC Sievi will be tough customers but the Albanian international is approaching the game with a positive mindset.
“It’s going to be a difficult match but we’re not giving up.” Kaca told this website.
“We are going to do our best to produce a good performance.
Kaca acknowledges the unity of the squad.

“Our strength is the unity we have in the dressing room.”
“From the first day that I came here, I immediately felt myself part of the Valletta family . And here we are one group all together.”
Finally Kaca had also a word of praise for the professional approach that the Lilywhites are adopting for this tournament.
“Coaching and staff are very professional here and I have to thank them all for believing in my potential and eventually form part of this team.”
Their opponents, FS Sievi are coached by Jani Paananen, who has a blend of young and experienced squad, including prolific strikers Joni Pakola and Rami Tirkkonen.
After achieving last year’s championship, FC Sievi have a very positive moral as they are also the home team for this tournament.
Despite all this, they are aware of Valletta’s battling spirit and are not undermining this match.