Last year’s champions Valletta and FA Trophy winners Sliema Wanderers will clash for the Bank of Valletta Super Cup this evening at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali. Kick off 7pm.
This match is usually played at the start of the season, but with the MFA deciding to stage it at this time of the year, it comes at a time when both contestants seem to be showing their best form so far this season.
Addressing a news conference yesterday morning, both coaches, Paul Zammit of Valletta and John Buttigieg of Sliema W. said the match is very important for their clubs as a trophy win – whatever it is – always provided a challenge.
Buttigieg and Zammit said it was obvious they will do their best to emerge winners of this one-match competition – the third major honour in Maltese football.
Buttigieg said that it was an honour for his side to be playing in this match. “But we have to show commitment to play a good match and win,” he added.
The Sliema mentor explained that he – any every coach – wanted to see their team play better and win. “I am happy with the present form of my players. After a difficult start to the season, we are now playing much better. I feel that we are prepared to face Valletta.
“We are aware that it is always difficult against the citizens. They are a strong squad but when we faced them, it seemed that we were always lacking in confidence, considering the results of the recent past, especially the two matches played in the League this season. We have to change this mentality in order to be able to beat them, although I admit this cannot be achieved in just a few days,” he said.
Zammit said his side was looking forward to win another local honour. “I hope it will be a good match as the Wanderers have also shown a lot of progress this season. After that shaky start, they are now a well organised side with several players among their ranks who can make the difference,” he said.
Zammit added that in the two league matches, it was evident that despite the favourable results for Valletta, both matches were close and could have gone Sliema’s way. “It could well be the same in this Super Cup match which both teams want to win,” he said.
Zammit said the team had several ups and downs this season, mostly due to the several injuries and suspensions. “But I am very proud of my players. Despite losing such a player (through injury) as Roderick Briffa in midfield and the injury to striker Federico Falcone, we managed to remain among the top clubs – at present we are only four points behind the leaders.
“After this match, we will start the New Year with two difficult games, but we have to look forward with optimism in the hope of being able to defend last year’s title win successfully,” he said.
Sliema’s Alex Muscat and Valletta’s Ryan Darmanin also addressed the press, saying that they both felt confident of a win for their own team.
Muscat said: “It is always nice to be playing for a Cup. It offers a source of motivation for all the players. I can assure everyone that we will be doing our best to win the Cup.”
Camilleri said a final was always a final and the city clan always gives a lot of importance to such matches. He added: “It is good to have this match played now rather than at the start of the season. We will be trying to win and finish the year on a good note.”
Both coaches could not confirm whether they will have any player or players missing due to injuries. Both said that they had to wait till yesterday evening to finalise their plans for today’s match.
However, Zammit said that Falcone remains a very doubtful starter.
The city coach confirmed that in all probability, Falcone will be leaving Valletta in January while it was Ian Azzopardi himself who decided to join Gzira United, of course with the blessing of Valletta FC.
Photo Joe Borg