Birkirkara FC will be facing Albania’s Vllaznia this evening in the first leg of their first qualifying round tie.

The match is being played at the Hibernians Stadium and kicks off at 8.30pm.

The Stripes have a fresh new look after last season’s disappointments. In fact, they have several new faces in their squad, among them former Marsaxlokk international midfielder Gareth Sciberras, former Vittoriosa S. and Malta Under 21 winger Leighton Grech and some foreigners, including returning goalkeeper Jorge Mora, of Spain.

Apart from that, they also have a new coaching line-up in the form of Patrick Curmi as head coach and Peter Pullicino as his assistant.

The Stripes are eager to do well especially in this home match, if they are to entertain hopes of making it to the second qualifying round. The winners of this tie will be facing Switzerland’s FC Thun in that round.

The arrival of Gareth Sciberras and the new foreigners, apart from the return to the squad of Alan Tabone, Omar Borg and Thomas Paris, have boosted the Stripes clan in no uncertain manner.

Earlier this week, the team also got the good news that stalwart players Paul Fenech and Joe Zerafa had extended their stay at the club by signing new contract. But old time great Michael Galea will be missing – he has decided to retire after giving such sterling service to the club over 14 years.

Their numerous fans are simply hoping that these players will not just turn the tables on their opponents, but also help the side to do much better than it did the past season.

Despite training for the last month, the Stripes certainly lack match practice as they have only played two official matches – against Floriana (0-0) and Valletta (2-2) in the Euro Cup, but one must say they left a good impression in both matches.

Little is known about their Albanian opponents. Vllaznia, however, are an experienced side in Europe as they are one of the best teams in the country, supported by a large number of fans from the north of Albania.

It is the second time they will be facing a Maltese club in European competition. In season 1987/88, they had played against Sliema Wanderers in the old Cup Winners Cup, winning

2-0 at home and 4-0 in Malta, to advance on a 6-0 aggregate.

The club has won Albania’s Premier League nine times, the Cup on six occasions and the Super Cup twice.