The Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA) season has begun and the first round of matches in Division Two took place on Saturday with the Naxxar Victorians starting off on the wrong foot – a 2-0 loss to newcomers San Gwann ProEvolution Academy. New Victorians technical director Kyle Debono spoke to naxxarvictorians.com about the match and what is in store for the coming fixture against Zebbug Youngsters.
For Debono this was his debut on the Victorians bench, together with head coach Karl Borg, both working in tandem to help the team progress this year. The former player explained to this website that despite a productive start to the game on Saturday, pressure made it too tough for the side to come back from conceding.
“For the first match, we had started playing well, passing and finding space well, but after we conceded the first goal we found the pressure difficult to overcome,” he said.
“Their defense was faultless and we did not make the best of our few chances that we had.”
Matchday One saw the introduction of four new signings for Naxxar: Full back James Pecorella and forward Moses Nwankwo made their starting debut as midfielders Andrew Steve Cassar and Dylan Vella made their debut as substitutes in the second half.
Second test against Zebbug
It was a goal on either side of the half which held the Victorians away from their first three points of the season and the side will be looking to make amends in the next game at the beginning of October against Zebbug Youngsters (October 9).
The Youngsters had the brightest of starts with a 5-0 win over Fgura Spartans on Saturday and Debono had words of praise for the side ahead of what he referred to as a tough fixture.
“Zebbug has shown that they are capable of scoring from everywhere,” Debono said.
“Our defense has to be concentrated 101% all the time and we will work to take our chances regularly as possible.”
However, the former Mellieha youth coach appeared hopeful and believes the side can fight for their first three points.
“All the players are working to turn things around for us, so I expect that we go out harder and more motivated in search of our win!”
The Naxxar Victorians face Zebbug Youngsters on Matchday 2, October 9 at the Marsaxlokk Grounds (kick-off: 15:45). Until then, have a look at how the standings are looking after the opening set of matches.