League leaders Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans will be engaged in a battle to win the Opening Round of the Malta Premier League on the final day of the Top Six on Saturday.
Floriana, still reeling from their 2-0 defeat to the same Spartans in midweek, must defend their one-point advantage with victory in the derby against fierce rivals Valletta at the National Stadium (kick-off: 4pm).
On the other hand, Ħamrun Spartans must beat Sliema Wanderers at the Tony Bezzina Stadium and hope Valletta deny Floriana all the three points so that the Malta champions will be crowned the winners of the Opening Round.
Today’s fixtures have added interest as Valletta are still in the running for second place as a win over Floriana, coupled with Ħamrun losing to Sliema Wanderers will see them force a decider for the runners-up spot.
On the other hand, Sliema Wanderers will give a debut to their new coach Pablo Doffo who replaced the departing Paul Zammit.
All the pressure will be on Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans to take all three points it was it’s likely to be a nerve-wrecking 90 minutes this afternoon.
Floriana are still in the driving of their fate, despite their 2-0 defeat to Ħamrun Spartans on Wednesday.
In the build-up to the match against Ħamrun Spartans coach Daniel Portela said that if his team loses to the Spartans they still had another chance to win the Opening Round.
“We need to stay calm,” Portela had said earlier this week.
“If we lose to Ħamrun we still have one final chance against Valletta. It’s important that we remained focused and make sure we get the three points needed against Valletta.
“I have a lot of faith in my team who has been very consistent this season and hopefully we can finish the job.”
On his part, Ħamrun Spartans coach Giacomo Modica said that he was delighted with his team’s performance against Floriana but there is more work to do.
“We have an important match against Sliema,” Modica said.
“Against Floriana on Wednesday we showed our strength despite the heavy wind.
“The team was mature, we showed quality and character, and we performed well physically, it showed that the squad is in good shape.
“On Saturday, it’s our duty to deliver another great performance, and then we’ll see what happens.
The team must show the same application and focus we had against Floriana.
It will be a tough match, but we’re positive.”
Brazilian striker Jonny was the hero for the Spartans with a spectacular opener on his return to the Premier League.
“Jonny has always been professional,” Modica said.
“He has shown great work ethic, even during the period he was out of the squad.
“We must take advantage of his positive attributes.
“But I don’t have only Jonny, competition within the squad is high, and every player must work hard to earn their place in the starting lineup.”
New signings
Modica on Saturday is expected to have a new signing available as Colombian forward Demir Ceter could make his debut.
“For me, it’s great to find new teammates who are working hard and willing to keep learning,” Ceter said.
“I know Ħamrun have achieved a lot in recent years, and I want to help the team reach its targets.
It’s a new experience for me, I really like Malta so far, and it’s fascinating to play for a club that has been at the top in recent years.
“That was a big motivation for me to come here.
“I want to keep improving, to become stronger as a player and as a person, and I’m sure Ħamrun can help me achieve that.”
On the other hand, Sliema will be under the charge of Pablo Doffo who is excited with this new challenge to try and revive the Wanderers’ fortunes.
“Everything happened so fast,” Doffo said on his move to Sliema.
“On Monday, Sliema approached me, and it’s impossible to say no to a club like Sliema.
“When a team with such history calls, you simply can’t refuse.
“I want to thank the committee and the people of Nadur Youngsters for allowing me to take this big step in my coaching career.
“At a club like Sliema, the minimum target is always to qualify for European competitions.
“We’ll do our best, starting this Saturday against Ħamrun. We’re aware of their strength, now that they’ve finished their European commitments, they’re an even tougher side.
But I’ve found real quality in the players here at Sliema, and I believe that we can put in a very good performance.”
On his part, Sliema veteran player Edmond Agius has denied that his club’s campaign has been a failure and revealed that he is planning to retire at the end of the season.
“There were expectations from the media, but I don’t believe this campaign has been a failure for us,” Agius said.
“I think we can continue building on the positives. Of course, we felt it when Paul Zammit left, but that’s part of football, it’s part of our careers.
“This will be my final season before I hang up my boots. It’s a tough decision, probably the biggest of my life.
“I’m still here because of coach Paul who now left, he convinced to prolong my career by one more season after the injury struggles last year.
“Also the club always showed faith in me, and I want to give everything to this football club until the very end.”
