Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia titled Davit Zirakishvili the first liner of “The Lelos” and French “Clermont” as the best sportsman of 2010 and it was logical decision. His job was appraised by fans as well as ministry and 27-year-old sportsman was awarded with bronze lion. “Basis bank” awarded him with 5 000 GEL.
Rugby is team game and only one sportsman can succeed. Certainly his teammates also played big role in his success but he played the biggest role in national team’s success. He played decisive role in winning over The USA national team. Zirakishvili started going for Rugby 10 years ago, in 2003 by friend’s help he left for France and time by time he became one of the stars of “Clermont”. He is the only Georgian who won the title in French championship and is considered as current champion. He is the first Georgian who played in “World Team” and played against “All Blacks”.Besides this, Zirakishvili played decisive role against Russian National Team in a match which was held in Trabzon. He took initiative and with fantastic strike scored try and brought victory to Georgian National team. So it is not surprising that government as well as Georgian people recognize him as the best sportsman of the year.
Zirakishvili who played 24v matches and scored 5 tries in Georgian National Team could not attend award ceremony, which was organized by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs. Due to weather problems he could not arrive in Georgia. Most of all he was happy that in poll people had chosen him as the best sportsman of the year. He gathered 56% (15669). “Ziraka” is already in Tbilisi and “World Sport” did not miss the chance and took an interview.
- You supposed to know that you were supported 56 % by sport fans.
- That’s why I am so happy. I did not know that ordinary fans were taking part in this poll. If only sport department recognized me as the best sportsman of the year I would not be so happy, but now it is another feeling.
- You will be titled as a player of the year…
- I do not know anything about that. I have met the leadership of Georgian Rugby Union and they have not said anything about it. Maybe that are making surprise and you frustrated it. It seems that everything good happened to me this year.
- What do you think, what is the reason of recognition Zirakishvili?
- I do not know, I cannot say anything. Boasting is not common for me and I am not gong to talk about my success. You have to ask reason of my recognition to those people who did it.
- OK, I will ask another way, how could you estimate last year?
- I estimate not only last year, whole last 10 years very positively. I started playing Rugby in 2000 and I am happy that I succeed so much at expanse of my hard-working and god-blessing.
- In compare last year, “Clermont” is a leader of French Top 14. You lost only 8 matches from 29 ones and this year you lost 6 matches from 13 ones. What is the reason, “Clermont” became weak or its opponents strengthened?
- Generally, level of French championship became higher. The reason of our failure are two things: in the one hand “Toulon”, “Racing”, “Montpellier” and other teams strengthened so much that they became serious opponents for us. In the other hand, we were less determined in this last competition. Because we were champions, that’s why we were less inspired than our opponents. But there is no alarm. No situation has changed. We won over “Perpignan”, “Bourgoin” and “Brive” and as a result of it we took the 4th position, then keeping this position was not problem for us. I am sure that, after finishing championship we will be in top 4in any case. I even do not think that we will take the 6th or the 7th place, then will be play off and its results are always unpredictable.
- In Summer, in an interview you told us that your club would be more concentrated on winning “Heineken Cup”, but now you are in trouble in group. Before two rounds you are 5-point behind a leader.
- We have still chance of going through the group according to Maths calculation, but I think that we do not have chance and we will not be able to go though the group. We are sorry, because our opponents beat us with deserving point difference. We could not manage do anything. That’s why we had problems in Top 14, because we were paying more attention to “Heineken Cup”. We will do our best, but supposedly will not be able to go through the group then we will pay full attention to French championship.
- You have still chance of going though “Challenge Cup”( the best 3th and 5th winners of “Heineken Cup” continues playing in “Challenge Cup”), will not you fight for winning it?
- No we will not. We will not pay attention to this competition.
- You were sinbined twice in this season.
- We have tense matches and there were some rude elements. This year I have worse situation in discipline than ever.
- How could you estimate last two matches of Georgian National Team? (against The USA and Canada)
- We had tense matches and were worrying very much. Our opponents offered strong resistance, it would be right if I say that we showed strong resistance. These matches were the first under new coaches and we were obliged to make tactic, new playing style, training together. We were together for two weeks and it is not enough time to get used to new coach and his system. That’s why we had some problems, but I am glad that we won both of these matches.
- Canadian team is stronger than the USA one, but playing against Americans was more difficult.
- Generally, Canadian team is better than American one, but at that moment it was not so. I can say one example. Last year while playing in Top 14, we won two matches against leaders and lost with outsider “Mont-De-Marsan” with 20 points. It is usual. Maybe it is psychological problem, may be they were prepared better.
- What is your impression about new coaches?
- I had two-week relations with them and it is difficult to say anything after such short period. The first thing, what was visible since the first day was their professional attitude to their job and it makes me happy. I am happy that federation also supports us and time by time our team is creating. Another will be shown in the future.
- Next year is special for Georgian Rugby players. What should we wait from New Zealand World Cup and how Davit Zitakishvili is preparing for this competition?
- It is too early to talk about chances at World Cup. We cannot start talking we will win over this or that team, just we have to do our best and show our maximum. Before starting playing, no matter who is your opponent you have to be such determined. We have to fight for victory, no matter who will be our opponent England or Romania. As for me, I prepare as usual. If Georgian team did not go through the World Cup I would train in such way because it is my duty.
Zura Ksovreli
