New Bird Giulio Giuricich is an unknown name in the South African fraternity. The 22-year-old left-back sat down with the Moroka Swallows website to announce his arrival into the Birds nest.
You are a Joburg boy, but spent some time in Italy. How has it been being back home? “I've enjoyed being back, it's always good to see old friends. Obviously home is home so it's always nice to be back.”
Why did you go in the first place? “I left because I had the opportunity to go on trial for the reserves of Serie B side called Sassuolo in 2009. So I just took my chances and left after matric and ended up staying over there for three years.”
What are your ties to Italy? “My grandparents are from Italy. My grand dad came down as a prisoner of war and my grand mom came during the war and they ended up staying here.”
How does it feel to be a Bird? “It's a good feeling, it's a great club to be a part of. It's a great bunch of guys. I'm really looking forward to the experience.”
You had been on trial with Swallows for quite a while. Take us through a day in the life of a trialist? “Obviously you always have to be sharp, you have to try and show your skills all the time and train with intensity. You also have to try and listen to what the coach has to say. You just have to put the nerves behind you and hope that everything goes well.”
You have been with the guys for while now. Do you feel like you have become familiar with the rest of the squad already? “Yes, it's a very friendly group of guys. I've made a few friends already. They have been very welcoming to me.”
Which role would you like to fill in the team? “I'm a natural left-back so I want to learn a lot from Shere (Lekgothoane) and Lizo (Mjempu) and hope that I can earn my stripes.”
Coach Zeca said he'd only take on players who have something more to add to the current crop. Does that put more pressure on you? “It does, because you have the pressure to perform but it also asks you to raise your game and step up to the other guys' level so I suppose it also can work in your favour.”
You could have gone anywhere else in South Africa, why did you choose Swallows? “I'm from Joburg and obviously the opportunity came to come to Swallows, so you have to take your opportunities as they come.”
