Joyskim Dawa dismisses criticism ahead of FCSB derby against Rapid

FCSB defender Joyskim Dawa has addressed recent criticism directed at his performances, stating that he remains focused ahead of the upcoming derby against Rapid. The 30-year-old described the match as one of the most important of the championship and emphasized that he does not care about the opinions of detractors.

Dawa acknowledged that the club has paid for his mistakes this season but highlighted the support of his teammates. He identified Andre Duarte, Dylan Batubinsika, and Mihai Popescu as quality players who can help the team succeed. The defender also reflected on his time at the club, noting that his injury period was the hardest moment due to the difficulty of regaining his rhythm.

The match between FCSB and Rapid is the headline fixture of SuperLiga round 13 and will be played at Arena Națională. It is scheduled for Saturday at 21:00 and will be broadcast live on Digi Sport 1 and Prima Sport 1. Dawa, who joined FCSB from FC Botoșani in summer 2022, stated that he is currently in his fifth year with the club.

FCSB enters the match in sixth place in the championship standings. The team is under the leadership of Laurențiu Reghecampf, who took over at the age of 51. Under his guidance, FCSB has achieved two consecutive victories in the league. Their most recent match ended in a 3-2 victory against FC Botoșani.

Rapid arrives in strong form, holding second place with 27 points and an eight-point lead over FCSB. The team has recorded five consecutive championship victories. Former Rapid goalkeeper Bogdan Lobonț, who won the title with the club in 1999, considers Rapid the favorite for the match at Arena Națională.

Predictions for the outcome vary. While Lobonț backs Rapid, former player Ciprian Marica predicts that Rapid will win by a one-goal difference. Dawa offered a different perspective on the psychological aspect of the fixture, stating that previously all teams feared FCSB, although he admitted the situation has changed slightly.

Horațiu Feșnic has been appointed as the referee for the match. He will be assisted by Valentin Avram and Alexandru Cerei. Adrian Sorin Costreie and Valentin Porumbel will manage the VAR room, while Andrei Florin Chivulete serves as the reserve referee and Vasile Bratu as the observer.

Feșnic has officiated previous encounters between these two sides. He refereed the Rapid versus FCSB match that ended 1-0 on 23 April 2023 and the 3-3 draw on 16 March 2025. His most recent assignment was the Europa League match between Salzburg and AC Milan on 15 October, which ended in a 0-4 victory for the Italian side.