Football fans are set for two fascinating ties as Closing Round winners Floriana face neighbouring rivals Valletta in the opening semi-final, while champions Ħamrun Spartans will be looking to keep their title defence alive when they take on Marsaxlokk.
The clash on everyone’s lips is the opening semi-final that pits two of the fiercest rivals in Maltese football, Floriana and Valletta, against each other.
Floriana will be determined not to experience the heartache of last season, when, despite dominating the Opening and Closing Rounds, they were knocked out by Ħamrun Spartans in a penalty shoot-out, ending their title dream.
Floriana assistant coach Jean Paul Desira said that the Greens are approaching this derby with tranquility.
“The players are well prepared and we have trained well throughout the week,” Desira said.
“Everyone involved understands the importance of Saturday’s match, and all week we have felt the backing of the administration, who supported us every step of the way.
“As footballers, these are the kinds of matches we live for. We always knew what this format would bring, and we understand there will be tension because it’s a derby.
“But we are not afraid. We respect the importance of the occasion, while fully trusting our abilities and the quality within the squad to help us achieve a positive result on Saturday.”
On his part, club captain Dunstan Vella is bracing himself for a tight game and urged his team-mates to brace for this challenge.
“We are confident, and we know Saturday’s match will be a very tight challenge,” Vella said.
“I believe in my team-mates, and we remain united in achieving our objectives and ending what has already been an excellent campaign on a high note.
“Everyone knows this derby is the biggest in Malta, but we approach it like any other game, respecting the opponents while remaining fully confident in our own strengths.”
Thane Micallef, the Valletta coach, argued that the Citizens won a place in the Final Four thanks to their consistency throughout the campaign.
“Consistency put us in a position to reach the Final Four,” Micallef said.
“The team has prepared in the best possible way. We are here because this group of players has shown resilience and great human qualities throughout the season.
“The level has gone up, and these next two matches, if we manage to reach the final, are a reward for all the hard work we have put in during the campaign.
“We want to enjoy this opportunity, but at the same time, maximise our chances of winning the title for our efforts and for our fans.
“Players like Brandon (Paiber) and Jake (Azzopardi), who were with us during the less successful moments, truly represent the resilience and character of this squad and understand what it means to play for Valletta.
“Our identity, built on sacrifice and a never-say-die attitude, gives us that extra edge when facing games like Saturday’s.”
On his part, Brandon Paiber said the Citizens deserve to be in the stage for their hard work throughout the season.
“These are the matches every player wants to be involved in,” Paiber said. “We worked hard throughout the season to get here.
“These are difficult games, and usually the team that makes fewer mistakes comes out on top.
“It’s a match where every detail is crucial, especially avoiding conceding goals.
“It is an honour to lead this club, and looking back, the decision to stay with the club during difficult times was the right one.
“I’m proud to be part of the project the club is building.”
Ħamrun Spartans head into the clash at the back of an inconsistent run of results but there is no more margin of error for the Malta champions if they are to defend their status when they face Marsaxlokk.
“We know the importance of Saturday’s match and we are fully aware of the difficulties it presents,” assistant coach Vincenzo Modica said.
“In many ways, Saturday feels like the real final. Since the start of the season, we have played 55 matches, which is not easy.
“Marsaxlokk are a very strong side. We have already played against them four times, so they know us and we know them.
“I am confident that we can give the fans and the administration the joy of progressing to the final.”
Responsibility
On his part, Ryan Camenzuli, who is out of the Final Four due to injury, said the players are aware of the responsibility they carry and will do all in their power to reach the final.
“We have heard different comments, but we are training in the best possible way,” Camenzuli said.
“We are all fully focused and understand the responsibility we carry.
“We have the advantage of having players who can handle pressure, and we will do our very best to give everything on the pitch against a very well-organised Marsaxlokk side.
“Mentally, after playing such a high number of matches, you always need to be at your best, especially when facing top teams week in and week out.
“We have enough experience to overcome these challenges and the intelligence to handle the pressure.”
Marsaxlokk coach Enzo Potenza says his team has no pressure as reaching this stage is already a great achievement.
“We prepared as usual, without any tension, even though we know there will naturally be pressure,” Potenza said.
“We have nothing to lose. Reaching this stage is already a great achievement, and the players deserve enormous credit for that.
“The players have done a magnificent job in terms of sacrifice, application, and commitment. Now it is time to reap the rewards, although it will not be easy against a very strong side like Ħamrun.
“We know the quality of the teams that remain, and we also know how important the supporters can be. I appeal to the Marsaxlokk fans to get behind the team for the full 90 minutes on Saturday”
Marsaxlokk captain Niki Muscat said Marsaxlokk are fully motivated to upset the Spartans and qualify for European football.
“We have made a lot of progress compared to last year,” Muscat said.
“The team has remained motivated, and we managed to reach the final four.
We always focus on our objectives.
“Our main target is the European qualification, but now that we are here, we will do our best to seize the opportunity and reach the final.
Mentally and physically, we are prepared. We have nothing to lose, and we are going for it.
“The club’s administration worked hard to strengthen the team, and now it is up to us to repay them with a strong performance.”
PROGRAMME
PLAYING ON SATURDAY
NATIONAL STADIUM
Floriana vs Valletta 14.45
Marsaxlokk vs Ħamrun 19.30
