The final four sees Gżira United face Naxxar Lions, while Valletta and Birkirkara meet in what promises to be a highly-anticipated encounter.
The FA Trophy remains one of the most important competitions in Maltese football, not only for the prestige of winning silverware but also because it offers a route into European competition for clubs that fail to qualify through the league.
That incentive has not been lost on the four semi-finalists, with all coaches highlighting the importance of the competition in the build-up to these decisive matches.
For Birkirkara, this competition represents both an opportunity and a form of redemption after a turbulent season. Coach Paul Zammit, who took over in February, spoke about the challenges he encountered when he arrived at the club.
“Being in the semi-final of the FA Trophy is always a privilege for every club, but especially for Birkirkara after such a turbulent season,” Zammit told the Times of Malta.
“In these two months since I have been here, the aim was to pick up the pieces and try to resurge.”
Birkirkara’s season has been marked by instability, having started the campaign under Italian coach Stefano De Angelis before he was replaced by Gianluca Festa. Results did not improve significantly, and the club eventually turned to Zammit following his departure from Sliema Wanderers.
“I found huge support from the people working with me but also from the players,” Zammit explained.
“It was a huge learning experience because the players were going through a very negative moment. But match after match, we improved, and we also managed to recover many injured players because the situation was quite serious in that aspect.”
Failing to reach the Top Six was a disappointment for the Stripes, but Zammit believes the team has grown in recent weeks, particularly through their FA Trophy matches, including a resilient quarter-final performance against Żabbar St. Patrick.
Now, however, the stakes are even higher.
Valletta, on the other hand, have already lifted silverware this season after winning the Jubilee Cup, and the FA Trophy represents another major objective – one that would also secure a return to European football.
Coach Thane Micallef admitted preparation was not ideal due to international call-ups.
“Preparation was mixed because we had players with the national team,” Micallef said.
“With the players we had, we worked well, but from a strategic point of view, we did not have enough time all together. Still, we are upbeat. We worked well and we are aware of Birkirkara’s threat. They are a very organised team defensively, so it will be a very difficult match.”
Valletta’s season has been an interesting one. After returning to the top-flight following last season in the Challenge League, they had a remarkable Opening Round, a more difficult First Phase, but eventually secured a place in the Top Six in the Closing Round.
Winning the FA Trophy would not only secure European football but also confirm the club’s growing competitiveness ahead of next season.
In the other semi-final, Naxxar Lions are writing one of the stories of the season. They have reached the semi-finals of this competition for the first time in 79 years and are now just one match away from a historic final.
Their turnaround began in December when Winston Muscat took over from George Vella. Since then, Naxxar have improved dramatically, moving from the lower end of the table to a Top Six finish in the Closing Round, although they are still not completely safe from relegation due to the league format.
“It is one of the biggest matches in the club’s history,” Muscat said.
“But there is no need for extra pressure. We just need to stay calm and focused to achieve our goal.”
Gżira United coach Darren Abdilla is also targeting a return to European football through the FA Trophy, especially since league qualification is no longer possible for his side.
“For us, this is an opportunity to return to European football. We are just two games away,” Abdilla said.
“But Naxxar are a very good team, very well coached, and they beat us 4-2 in the last match, so we expect a very difficult tie.”
Like several other teams, Gżira also had players away on international duty, which affected preparations, but Abdilla believes the team has used the time to recover injured players and work on small tactical details.
Since taking over from Clive Mizzi earlier in the season, Abdilla has overseen a major improvement in Gżira’s fortunes. When he arrived, the team had just three points, but they eventually managed to fight their way into the Top Six in the Closing Round, finishing sixth and becoming a competitive side again.
FIXTURES – NATIONAL STADIUM
Gżira United vs Naxxar Lions – 1.45pm
Valletta vs Birkirkara – 5.30pm
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