Clifford Gauci… Determined to Achieve

by Gordon Attard on November 25, 2009

NAME – CLIFFORD GAUCI

D.O.B – 8/04/92
POSITION - STRIKER
PREVIOUS CLUB – PIETA’ FC
PRESENT CLUB – VALLETTA F.C
NATIONAL TEAM GRADES - U12, U14, U17, U/19
FAVOURITE PLAYING NUMBER - 7
FAVOURITE CLUB – JUVENTUS

AWARDS WON – YOUTHS TOP SCORER 08/09, BEST YOUTH PLAYER 08/09

Maltese Football Starlets caught up with another young Maltese hot prospect for the coming future who recently was selected in the U19s mini Tournament held in Malta. Malta played against the Netherlands, Czech Rep. & Cyprus in which the latter match Clifford Gauci scored a real 35metres beauty that put Malta up ahead and deserved that epic celebration run along the supporters stand. I took the chance to email-interview Clifford Gauci, who was very professional towards the questions I asked him. Recently this season he was bought from one of Malta’s top sides Valletta F.C, which I’m surely Gauci’s performances will get better and his development will be monitored by this legend club.

1. When did you first knew about the interest of Valletta F.C? They were the only club interested in your signing?

The interest from Valletta came from last June, when their club manager Nicky Saliba which kept monitoring my performances throughout the previous season contacted my club Pieta’ F.C for my availability as they were interested in my signing. Yes… besides Valletta there were other clubs showing interest in my signature like Hibernians F.C.

2. What was your first reaction apart from being happy?

Yeah… it was a great endless satisfaction, that moving to the biggest club in Malta was the right choice to make for my football career and I am looking forward for this new challenge with Valletta F.C.

3. Last season you won the top scorer award in the Youth League & the Best Player, describe these successful feelings?

I was very happy that I’ve won these awards and I think it’s a great individual effort that every player likes to win. But for all this, thanks to my coaches for their help to win such awards particularly Coach Oliver Spiteri my ex-U17s National Coach.

4. What’s your motivation?

My Family is my motivation. I find the help I need in every think I do, they do a lot of sacrifices for me. Before every match I concentrate and focus on the best things that can occur on the field of play.

5. A typical Clifford Gauci’s day …training, eating etc…?

I start my day with a good healthy breakfast, then I go for a run. I’ll have a light healthy lunch like Pasta, Salad or a Soup. 3 times a week I go to the Gym and when I have some free time I enjoy playing with video games or chatting on the internet. In the evenings I go for my every day training sessions with my club or national team.

6. Who’s the most impressive player you have trained with yet?

Have to be Valletta & Malta’s Captain Gilbert Agius.

7. Recently you scored in the 1-1 draw against Cyprus with the U19′s, How come you came up with that long celebration run? Was it planned before?

No it wasn’t planned at all that celebration. For me it was a new position I’ve played in that match and I’ve got the chance from outside the box and I took it and it went in.

8. What’s your next goal?

My next goals for this year are to win the U19 League with my club and to continue my good performances with Malta U19s squad. Also to make my debut with Valletta senior team and score.

9. Where do you wish to see yourself in 5 years time from now? Playing with Valletta F.C, in a foreign league, National Team etc…

My first ambition is to make history with Valletta and obviously with Malta National Team because I love to play for my country. Hopefully if I will have a chance to play abroad I’m sure I will take the opportunity that every Maltese youngster wants.

10. What do you say to younger Maltese football players that want to follow your steps so far? So in Malta we can see more talented players like you making the grade in the future.

“The most important thing is to take Football seriously then with sacrifices you could achieve your dream” Clifford Gauci