Interview with Henry Bonello

by Ayrton Galea - 12th January 2017

Goalkeeper Henry Bonello joined our Club last week and he made his debut with a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Pembroke Athleta FC. In a short interview we talked with Henry about his life, how he became a goalkeeper, and his move to this club.

Who is Henry Bonello?

I am twenty eight years old. I am a very straight forward person, who tells it as it is. I believe a lot in respect, and I will act accordingly to how I get treated by others. I am man of few words, and believe that actions speak louder than words.

What or who inspired you to be a goalkeeper? Who is your favourite goalkeeper? Why?

No one. I do not recall knowing that my father played football ,as he never used to take me with him to training or watch him play. I only remember that I loved playing with the ball from such a young age. At first I starting playing football at Marsa Sports Club until my father took me to Tigne' and registered me with Sliema Wanderers nursery at the age of five. I started playing not as a goalkeeper and somehow I ended up between cones, as we did not have posts for such a young age at that time.

My favourite goalkeeper was Peter Schmeichel because I was a fan of Manchester United, but now I do not really watch or follow football.

What makes the position of a goalkeeper unique? What is the satisfaction?

It is a very particular position when compared to other positions. Training is different and the goalkeeper is the only player from the eleven on the field that can use his hands. A goalkeeper gets to kick the ball towards players but most of the time he gets balls shot at him.

I think from all the players on the field he needs to be the strongest mentally since there's only the goal behind him, so one mistake would be vital. The satisfaction is that a goalkeeper can save the day.

Fairly or unfairly, the goalkeeper is always under the microscope. How do you deal with that kind of pressure?

I just don't think about it. I enjoy playing the game, work hard to be better every day and try always to give my best.

How do you describe your goalkeeping style? What do you believe are your best attributes?

I like to be aggressive on the pitch - confident to go out for crosses, and can use my feet to play with my defenders when under pressure.

You are very well known for your ability to stop penalty kicks. How did you require this skill? Can you tell us the secret behind it?

That is something I will keep for myself (smiles).

You have been with our Club for less than a week. How are you feeling? Do you feel settled or do you need more time to adopt?

I have to thank my new team-mates together with the technical staff and committee for greeting me in such a positive manner. They made it easy for me to settle in.

Why did you join our Club?

The committee and technical staff, particularly the head coach, showed their interest in my services and I was more than happy to make a move and join the club.

There was some controversy by some of the Club's supporters when it was announced that you were joining our Club. Did this affect you in any way? What were your reactions?

As I said before, I believe that actions speak louder than words and I will do my best to prove them wrong.

Some of the criticism was that you had other opportunities in the past to join our Club, but you turned these offers down. Why did you believe now was the right time?

Because, as I said, I believe in respect. When Birkirkara had approached me to join in the previous years I was already in discussions with other clubs and it was only fair to join the club who showed interest first. This time they were the first to approach me and I believe in our team and the direction the club wants to go to.

How did the team greet you upon your arrival?

With open arms. I knew most of the players already.

What are your comments about our last match against Pembroke?

We had many positives, such as, we were aggressive on the ball, taking nearly every second ball and we always wanted to go forward and direct towards goal.

You debuted with a clean-sheet. How important was it for you and how did you feel wearing our shirt for the first time?

It was important to start on a good note especially now that three very important games are coming. I wear every shirt with pride, it is just how I am. Birkirkara is a big club in Malta, so it is an honour to wear it.

What are your comments about our next match against Balzan?

I am confident that we can do it if we remain humble, and work hard for the three points.

What are your personal targets?

My personal targets are to win as many trophies as possible.

Do you have a message for the supporters?

There can be many ups and downs but the most important thing is to stick together as a family, and push forward to see Birkirkara on top.

comments powered by Disqus