Congratulations to Valletta FC. As was widely expected from the start of the season, the citizens won their 20th league title on Sunday after beating Marsaxlokk by a solitary goal, despite needing just one point to ascertain themselves of the final outcome. With three matches to go they are still unbeaten. Avoiding defeat in these final matches will enable them to claim the title unbeaten in 28 matches – a very big feat these days. The only interest which remains now is the battle for the runner-up placing which still involves three teams – Floriana (27), Birkirkara (25) and Marsaxlokk (24).

Henry Brincat pays tribute to the citizens, including club president Victor Sciriha and coach Jesmond Zerafa apart from the players.

In the previous two seasons, first Hibernians, then Birkirkara, had whisked away the title from Valletta’s hands in the final sprint. This season, Valletta made it clear, right from the start, that they would not tolerate such a thing to happen all over again. And they have made sure of their 20th league title in a most convincing manner – they are still unbeaten after 25 matches.

It was the players who performed on the pitch – all those who formed part of the strong City squad. They worked hard throughout the season mostly during training sessions as the citizens undertook a programme which saw them turning professional midway through the previous season.

That plan, which was the idea of club president Victor Sciriha, is now bearing the desired fruit. And it already seems clear that if the other clubs do not follow suit, Valletta are in for a splendid run of successes in the forthcoming years, also seeing them earning the plauses in Europe if their plans continue to succeed.

For it is a well known fact that Sciriha is not stopping here. This year we have had confirmation that he has built a very strong squad which can dominate the local scene with a certain amount of ease. He has lured the best local talent to his club and needs only a few touches here and there to make his side really unbeatable locally.

He is now already eyeing participation in the Champions League with a certain amount of success. His dream is that of seeing Valletta playing in the Group stages. That would be a big first for the club and for local football.

But for that to happen, the citizens – in my opinion - need to spend much more on recruiting some foreigners of better quality than those they possess at present.

It is a fact that even if they have remained unbeaten so far this season, and even if the results continued to come their way, they have struggled to keep their unbeaten record intact, especially in those matches where they could only draw.

Victor Sciriha is certainly the most loved person in the City clan these days. No wonder! It was he who gave the side the image of a professional club even if there are still some things which must be improved upon to continue reaping the success it has achieved this year.

Among his big acquisitions last summer were coaches Jesmond Zerafa and his assistant Leonard Farrugia – two former Valletta FC players.

Both were aware of the great task ahead of them and they had to work under a lot of pressure to make sure that the team overcame all obstacles on their way to the title.

They also knew that the City fans – not to mention the club’s administration – were very demanding, especially after what had happened in the previous two seasons. But they certainly did a great job.

Zerafa must have noted the great difference between being a Qormi FC coach and that of sitting on the bench of Valletta FC.

In a sense, the past season was a lucky one for him. In all probability, in full collaboration with president Sciriha, he got the players he wanted, and that is what has made Valletta FC the best team on the Island.

But it was not only this. Zerafa had already done a lot for the Qormi cause the previous season. At Valletta, more was expected of him as the citizens obviously live in a different tier than that of the Yellow Blacks.

His tactics once again proved him right. Although at times the team failed to impress and also seemed to be struggling, however, one must concede that he always found the reply to the problems which faced the side, even when some key players were injured or suspended.

After the league title, Zerafa is now also eyeing the FA Trophy to make it a more memorable season. The odds are all in their favour as I see no other team, at least at present, capable of spoiling their great unbeaten record.

What a season it would be for Valletta to win the title and FA Trophy unbeaten – a run of 28 league and three Trophy matches.

Well done to all the City clan.

In the meantime, the battle for the runner-up place which means a berth in Europe, is the only issue which remains to be decided.

Floriana made the most of the weekend matches, winning 2-1 against Tarxien, while Birkirkara could only draw against Hamrun. Marsaxlokk had to bow their heads to Valletta.

The position now sees Floriana leading on 27 points, followed by Birkirkara on 25 and Marsaxlokk on 23, but with three matches and some direct clashes still to be played, the issue is far from over.

The following are the remaining matches for each club:

Floriana: v. Hamrun S., Valletta, v. Birkirkara.

Birkirkara: v. Valletta, v. Marsaxlokk, v. Floriana.

Marsaxlokk: v. Tarxien R., v. Birkirkara, v. Hamrun S.

Best player

Ryan Fenech (Valletta FC)

On the day Valletta were crowned Maltese football champions, there had to be a City player to fill in this gap. And my selection this week fell on Ryan Fenech, the former Hamrun Spartans midfielder who joined the club during the January transfer window.

His move from the Spartans to Valletta must be considered among the best of that transfer window.

Fenech, in fact, played a very valid role in City’s success since he joined them. It was not only his goals which helped Valletta on their way to the title. But his performances were also impressive.

I am sure that Fenech will not take long in becoming an automatic choice in John Buttigieg’s national team line-up.

Top scorers

14 goals T. Scerri (Valletta), A. Effiong (Marsaxlokk)

13 goals JP Mifsud Triganza (Sliema W.)

12 goals D. Nwoke (Floriana)

11 goals G. Spiteri (Hamrun S.), D. Rocha dos Santos (Valletta)

8 goals M. Galea, E. Lattes (both Birkirkara), Jackson Lima (Sliema W., D Mariano Bueno (Tarxien R.), O. Obiefule (Sliema W.)