A-League soccer: Jets' Georgian import plays on in memory of late father

The goal celebration runs far deeper for Mikeltadze.

Mikeltadze's father died suddenly back in Samtredia, in Georgia, on the eve of the A-League season.

A combination of COVID and distance prevented the 24-year-old from returning home for the funeral and paying his respects in person.

After scoring his first goal against Wanderers a week later, Mikeltadze paid homage to his "best friend", pulling his playing shirt up to reveal a love heart with dad written in Georgian as he pointed to the heavens.

Each of his eight goals have been marked with equal passion.

Deeply private, Mikeltadze has not spoken about the impact of losing his father until now.

"It was so hard," Mikeltadze said. "For the first few days, I couldn't think about anything else.

"My father was everything for me. He was my coach, my best friend, and my advisor. I am who I am now because of my father.

"He wanted me to play football, so each day when I wake up, I tell myself, I have to play for him. I always feel him with me, and of course every one of my goals I score is for him. Who I am now is because of him. He was with me all the time, and I learnt lots from him."

Mikeltadze netted his eighth goal in 11 games - converting from the penalty spot - in the 2-all draw with Macarthur last round. As well as the tribute to his father, Mikeltadze showed his support for Ukraine, which is under invasion from Russia.

The volatile situation rekindled memories of Mikeltadze's childhood when his homeland was under attack from the same forces.

"We had a very similar situation in 2008 in Georgia and I know how hard it is," he said. "I have lots of Ukrainian friends and all I can do now is to show my love and solidarity to all the Ukraine people. I am happy the people of Australia understand and that they, and the rest of the world, are supporting Ukraine as well.

"Growing up in Georgia was not easy, we endured lots of hard times.. It's a long story, but I am very proud of where I come from."

With all that has been going on around Mikeltadze, his form, worth ethic and commitment to the Jets' cause hasn't wavered.

And if the Jets are to beat league leaders Western United in Ballarat on Saturday, the robust No. 9 will need to be on point.

"I don't speak a lot because I need to learn more English, however, we do like to say in Georgia, 'less talk, more work'," Beqa said.

"I believe in myself and what I am doing. It also helps to have the coach believe in me. All this gives me great confidence. We will do everything to give Western and their defenders lots of problems. I am sure we can win this game. "

Western are equal league leaders on 29 points alongside Melbourne City, who have played two more games.

Their defence, led by former Jet Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Swiss giant Leo Lacroix, is the best in the competition and has conceded just 11 goals. They are fresh from a 2-0 victory over Perth and boast eight clean sheets.

"We're happy with the way it's going, of course we're happy with the position we're in, but we know that we we want to keep on building and keep on improving and keep on picking up results," Western coach John Aloisi said. "Come round 25, then we'll have a look and see where we're at."

The Jets are yet to record consecutive wins and sit in eighth spot on 15 points, but Aloisi remains wary.

"We know there's going to be another hard game against a good side that play a high tempo style of football," he said. "They're a good side, they play quick football, they play hard and with the intensity very high.

"You have to be switched on all the time, you can't afford to be asleep at any moment because then they'll break on you."

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