Both Floriana and Marsaxlokk are one win away from greatness for different reasons.
On one hand, Floriana are on the cusp of becoming Malta champions for a record 27 times on the other hand, Marsaxlokk, on their part, are eyeing only their second championship crown.
Looking at the results attained this season, Floriana are the overwhelming favourites to lift the title.
The Greens have been in dominant form throughout the season. After placing second in the Opening Round, they went on to completely outplay their opponents in the Closing Round to finish top.
Added to that, they are unbeaten in clashes with Marsaxlokk this season, which is likely to provide them with a much-needed psychological edge on Saturday.
“When you look at what we have gone through this season, it is a great privilege and honour for us to be involved in such an important league match,” Floriana FC assistant Jean Paul Desira said.
“There is great expectation among our fans and the club administration. In the last few years, we have been so close to winning the title, and this time we are keen to make amends.
“The players are conscious of the importance of tomorrow’s match and are really looking forward to it.
“As a staff, we are just as motivated as the players, and we see this match as the perfect opportunity to crown what has been a formidable league campaign.
“The work carried out by the administration during the summer was very intelligent.
“We changed all the foreign players except one, and in January, we once again made excellent decisions regarding player recruitment.
“That created a strong belief and awareness that we have a powerful squad in every aspect, including the character and mentality of our players.”
Dunstan Vella, the Floriana FC captain, said that Saturday’s final is a completely different kind of match, but he is confident his team will b ready for the occasion.
“We haven’t lost against Marsaxlokk this season, but we must remain focused, approach this like any other game, and continue playing the football that brought us success throughout most of the campaign,” Vella said.
The spirit within the squad is high. Recently we have produced several strong performances, and we are determined to maintain the level we have shown in recent weeks.
“In terms of preparation, we are treating it like any other match. If we want to win, we must continue doing what we have done all season – showing character, personality and belief in our strengths.
“We have to trust ourselves and go all out for victory.”
Marsaxlokk have been one of the revelations of this season as the southerner have defied the odds to not only reach the Final Four but managed to knock out champions Ħamrun Spartans in last weekend’s semi-final.
“We fully deserve to be in this final because we have been consistent throughout the season, and the biggest credit goes to my players,” coach Enzo Potenza said.
“We know we are here on merit. I’m disappointed that we haven’t managed to beat Floriana this season, but whenever Floriana won against us, it was because they deserved it.
“Our initial objective was to qualify for Europe, but now that we are in the final, we aim to win the title.”
Potenza said that Marsaxlokk may start the final as underdogs, but they are fully aware of their quality and they are determined to go all the way to secure the crown.
“It’s a match like any other. Our journey has been fantastic, but now it all comes down to the final 90 minutes, and we want to make the most of this opportunity,” Potenza said.
“We may be considered underdogs, but we are fully aware of our qualities.
“Over the last 24 months, Marsaxlokk have shown they are a real force, tactically, technically and physically we have been among the very best.
“The chances are 50/50.
“We work hard, and while the pressure is high, everything depends on how we approach the match.
“The semi-final win gave us a huge boost. Despite losing to us, I still believe Ħamrun are the best team in Malta and they achieved something incredible in Europe this season.
“We built this journey step by step. The team has consistently shown growth, and the dynamics within the squad are working very well.”
Marsaxlokk skipper Niki Muscat says he and his teammates are fully motivated to finally hold the edge over Floriana and rewrite the club’s history book with the league title.
“This is my first final, and I see it as both an honour and an exciting challenge to fight for this title,” skipper Niki Muscat said.
“As captain, I know the spirit inside the dressing room. We are highly motivated, and ultimately everything depends on what we do together as a team.
“Our mentality is very strong. I never focus on pressure because every match is a final when you step onto the pitch with the intention of winning. That mentality alone creates positive pressure.
“We have already achieved our main objective, so there is less pressure on us now. In the end, it all comes down to the 90 minutes on Saturday.
“We haven’t beaten Floriana this season, so naturally we are eager and hungry to achieve that for the first time and in a league final.”
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