Championship starts with a bang as City take on Stripes

The 2009/10 BOV Premier League is set for an intriguing start this evening as two prospective title candidates, Valletta and Birkirkara, face off in the opening match of the campaign.

The championship this year will be kicking off on the back of a positive summer for Maltese clubs as Valletta, Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers all produced superb performances in UEFA club competitions.

The Citizens were particularly outstanding, coming a whisker away from advancing to the third qualifying round of the Europa League while the Stripes and the Blues made the more-quoted Slaven Belupo and Maccabi Netanya respectively run hard for their money.

After weeks of preparation in pre-season, the real business for the ten top flight teams starts this weekend and there could not have been a more exciting prologue to the championship than a meeting between rivals Valletta and Birkirkara, both keen to stake an early claim of their credentials for the season.

The match will have added spice as it will pit the Citizens against their former coach Paul Zammit who took charge of the Stripes after parting ways with the capital club in May.

Ton Caanen, the new man in charge at Valletta, is refusing to let in any emotions to the match as the Dutchman is urging his players to focus completely on their impending task and hand the team's demanding fans victory on Day One of the league.

"Like in every other league there is always a good dose of excitement for the first match of the championship," Caanen told The Times.

"Since I took over at Valletta, almost two months ago, we have worked really hard during the pre-season to make sure that we reach this point in an ideal physical condition.

"We did really well in Europe and that increased the belief in our camp that this team can go far this season. So, I hope that we will be able to justify our status as one of the leading candidates for the title with a strong showing against Birkirkara."

In the close season, the Citizens strengthened their already impressive squad with the acquisitions of Terrence Scerri, Kevin Sammut, Steve Borg and Dutch duo Geert den Ouden and Jordi Cruyff thus further intensifying competitions for places in the squad.

"True, there will be a fierce competition for places and that is only a positive sign as it keeps all members in the squad on their toes to get into the first team," Caanen said.

"For this match, we only have one objective - victory. But, to achieve that we need the contribution of the whole group. If my players give their 100 per cent, it would be difficult for the others to beat us."

No one will blame Zammit for feeling somewhat awkward today, having spent more than four years on the City bench. However, the methodic coach will not let past sentiments disrupt his plans as he looks to lead his new team to a positive start to the campaign.

"Facing Valletta will be a bit strange for me," Zammit said.

"I have fond memories of my time there but once the match starts all jitters should go. Valletta have assembled a formidable squad and we know this will be a difficult match.

"However, these are also the kind of matches that will help me gauge the potential of my team. At Birkirkara, we are in a transition phase but we already have some interesting youngsters coming up and they showed they are ready to do a good job for the team. This match will be tense but I have full confidence in my players."

Zammit is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able to field his strongest formation against Valletta. There are some doubts on the fitness of George Mallia and Shaun Bajada but both should be declared fit.

The Stripes are expected to have Jorge Mora guarding their goal after the Spanish keeper signed a one-year contract with the Valley club.

Despite being in his debut season with Birkirkara, Zammit wants the team to leave its mark in the championship.

"We're still short in numbers and we'll probably sign a player or two before the transfer window closes," Zammit said.

"But, I'm very pleased with the attitude of my players and they're all raring to go. There's promising talent in this group and we feel Birkirkara can really do well in this championship."

Programme (National Stadium)

Today: 7.30 p.m. Birkirkara vs Valletta.

Tomorrow: 5 p.m. Dingli vs Tarxien; 7 p.m. Sliema vs Vittoriosa.

Sunday: 5 p.m. Floriana vs Qormi; 7 p.m. Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk.