Paul Zammit and Branko Nisevic expect tough fight for top-six berth

Paul Zammit and Branko Nisevic, the coaches of Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians respectively, have played down the significance of tonight’s 360 Sports Malta Premier clash at the National Stadium but admitted that they expect a tough fight to ensure a top-six placing in the Opening Round.

So far, Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians have been the only sides that managed to win both their opening league matches and heading into MatchDay Three they are leading the standings on six points.

A win tonight will see the winners head into the international break as sole leaders of the 360 Sports Malta Premier.

Still, Zammit, the Sliema coach, played down the importance of tonight’s match

“It’s a very tough match against a Hibernians team that have enjoyed a very positive start to the season,” Zammit told a news conference.

“The match will be a perfect barometer to gauge our level of performance as we will be playing against a very strong team. This summer, the Paolites have worked diligently in the transfer market and have brought in some quality signings.

“They registered some very talented foreign players as well as good Maltese additions. It’s no surprise really as over the years, Hibs have always worked very diligently and are led by a very smart coach in Branko Nisevic.

“Hibernians seem to have a very solid foundation, and we are expecting a very tough test. I believe this is not a decisive clash as we are still early in the season but no doubt it will be a great test for us.”

Sliema Wanderers head into the new season with great expectations after an impressive 2023-24 season where they marked their return to the top flight with a third placing in the Premier League and lifting the FA Trophy.

Coach Zammit admitted that every team will be looking at his side with different eyes this year and is urging his players not to get carried away by last season’s success.

“In football, it’s important that you always keep your feet rooted to the ground and not get carried away by your success,” Zammit said.

“Nobody expected us to be so successful last season but this time every team will be wary of our threat and will do all they can to beat us.

“So, it’s important to remain humble and keep working hard every single day. This is something I am working hard on with my players to ensure we maintain our consistency.

“Reaching the top six is our primary objective but it’s not going to be easy. There is great competition, and every team is capable of beating anyone on any day, so we need to work hard and approach it one game at a time.”

On his part, Sliema defender Jean Borg said that there is a healthy competition for places at Sliema Wanderers and that ensures that every player must give his 100 per cent every match if they want to retain their place in the side.

“Our biggest asset at Sliema is that there is great competition for places and no player can afford a dip in concentration or risks to losing his place in the team,” Borg said.

“I missed the first two matches due to injury but Neil Frendo was given the chance to shine and he really played well in my place. We have some talented players who are fighting for a starting berth such as Cain Attard, Myles Beerman, and Adam Magri Overend.

“But it’s a healthy competition and everyone is pushing each other and that is of great benefit to our team.”

Branko Nisevic, the Hibernians coach, sounded pleased with how his team started the season but warned that a place in the top six is not a foregone conclusion.

“I am very happy with how the team has started the season but we need to push on now and try and reach a higher level of performance as we have a tough fight on our hands for a top-six place,” the former Ħamrun Spartans coach said.

“Every team in the championship has strengthened their ranks and you don’t have any certainty of winning matches as everyone is capable of offering you a very tough challenge.

“Our primary goal is to reach the top six and then try and target a place in European football.

“It’s difficult to say how this new format will work out as we need to experience it first. But we need to do our best and pick up as many points as possible so we reach the next phase in a good place.”

Asked on his team’s impending challenge against Sliema, Nisevic said that Hibernians are aware of facing a very tough opponent who doesn’t concede a lot of goals.

“Paul Zammit has done a splendid job at Sliema Wanderers and have managed to turn them into a very solid outfit and who are very difficult to score goals against,” the Serbian coach said.

“We will need to raise our game by a few notches and hopefully we can score a couple of goals to hopefully take home the win, but it’s not going to be easy.

“This is my second year at Hibs and I feel that we have better quality in our squad and the players are understanding more what I expect of them and I am pretty confident that we can have a better season than last year.”

Bjorn Kristensen has been at Hibs for almost 15 years now and has experienced the highs and lows at the club.

The Malta international said that these are still early days to judge the current team but there are some promising signs already.

“In football, it’s a cycle, sometimes you are on top, and at other times you are down. Last season was not a great campaign for us, but we are doing all we can to make up for it this year,” he said.

“I hope that the team will continue to gel together and we can continue to grow as a unit. We want to be successful but that can only be achieved if we work hard and play as a team.”