HENRY BRINCAT
It is the last day of the Bank of Valletta Premier League (although there will still be a decider between Sliema and Birkirkara, either for second or third place). This evening, at about 7.50pm, Valletta FC skipper Gilbert Agius will be presented with the Bank of Valletta Premier League Cup and this will spark off the official celebrations of Valletta’s winning of their 19th league title.
It is another glorious day in the history of Valletta FC as the team has finally returned to the top after seven drab years in which no silverware arrived at the club.
After the arrival of president Victor Sciriha last summer (their best acquisition), the team was strengthened with the arrival of some players who contributed to the side’s resurgence, even if they had to overcome a struggling period in the first round of the competition.
The Citizens, however, came into their own as from December and, without playing any scintillating football, they turned on the heat, becoming the most consistent side in the Premier League and remaining on top till the very end, even if their opponents admit that they made the road easier for the citizens because they unexpectedly dropped a lot of points on the way.
Today Valletta will crown their success at the end of a gruelling season and I am sure their numerous supporters will be at Ta’ Qali Stadium this afternoon, and later at Valletta, to celebrate this title win in their usual, unique style.
Their fans, however, are hoping for a return to victory, today after their mishap against Sliema last week, when they surrendered a 20-match unbeaten run in a 1-0 defeat.
And against Marsaxlokk, Valletta may find another serious stumbling block as the southern seasiders are well aware that they can still save their season with a victory that will push them into second place, one point above Sliema and Birkirkara. And that will mean Brian Talbot’s boys would secure a berth in next season’s UEFA Cup.
A draw will not be enough for Marsaxlokk. That would keep the southern seasiders in fourth place with a possible berth in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
And that would also leave Sliema and Birkirkara one point above them with a decider to determine the runner-up position.