As the big day looms tomorrow, the coaches and captains of Birkirkara and Valletta appeared quite confident before their deciding encounter to determine who will be the winner of the 2013/14 BOV Premiere League Trophy.

Addressing a press conference, Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit acknowledged that although his team had led the standings for most of the season, all boiled down to this final match where the spoils would be decided.

Valletta coach Andre’ Paus was his usual reserved and circumspect self but said that he would like to thank his group of players and others who worked behind the scenes to arrive at this stage. Paus reiterated Zammit’s observations that all the good work throughout the season boiled down to this encounter. He said that the players were confident of their success and would be going into the match with an open mind. ‘We are confident that we may succeed since consistency and strength are our hallmarks’, Paus added.

Birkirkara captain Gareth Sciberras said that from a player’s perspective, everyone has worked immensely hard at Birkirkara to arrive at this stage. He insisted that the whole squad is geared up for this final encounter and that there was high morale and confidence in the Stripes dressing room.

On his part, Valletta captain Ryan Fenech said that his players know that their opponents are a strong and valid team but they will continue believing in themselves and their capabilities, since it was this collective effort that got them to this stage. ‘May the best team on the day win’, Fenech added.

Fielding questions from journalists, Paus said that although Valletta were two points behind and needed to win, his team would go into the match with a positive mind set. Both coaches confirmed that their respective squads were at full strength and no absences were on the cards.

Asked whether Birkirkara are under pressure to garner a positive result from the match after their excellent run throughout the season, Zammit said that his team would be facing this match with the usual confidence.

Asked by the Malta Independent whether the two point cushion would mean a defensive tactical setup, Zammit smiled and said that his players can adapt to any situation as has been observed time and time again throughout the season.

Paus said that the two point deficit was not being viewed as negative but would spur the Valletta players on to achieve the important win that would mean the Premier League trophy. Finally, Zammit appealed to the Birkirkara support to do their best tomorrow, whom he described as ‘the twelfth man’ on the pitch.