Spartans to host six-team tournament at Tedesco Stadium

Ħamrun Spartans will officially parade their new signings for the 2010-11 campaign in the pre-season tournament, the Powerade Cup, which will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium between August 13 and 20.

The tournament, now in its second edition now , will see the participation of three other Premier League clubs – Floriana, Qormi and Vittoriosa Stars – and Division One sides St George’s and St Andrews.

“The Powerade Cup is in its second edition, and this year’s competition will see the number of participants going up from four to six teams,” Manuel Fenech, the Ħamrun Spartans PRO told the media, yesterday.

“This tournament offers valuable preparation for the new season and it’s our intention to continue expanding this competition in the next few years. In fact, it’s not excluded that we will be inviting foreign teams to take part in the Powerade Cup.”

The six participating sides were split in two groups yesterday with the host club drawn in Group A along with Vittoriosa and St Andrews. St George’s, Qormi and Floriana were drawn in Group B.

The winner of each section will contest the final while the second-placed teams will feature in a play-off for third place.

Fenech said that the organisers have issued block tickets for the tournament and will be on sale at the price of €13. All participating clubs will have tickets for sale.

Victor Cassar, the council member representing Ħamrun at the MFA, said the Spartans will field all their new signings in the Powerade Cup.

“So far, we have concluded loan deals for Omar Borg, David Camilleri and Massimo Grima while Ryan Fenech has returned to the club after a loan spell at Sliema Wanderers last season,” he said.

“We are close to reaching agreement on a deal for defender Steve Bonnici to sign from Melita and we have also secured the signature of Scottish striker Dene Shields. At the moment, we are engaged in talks with Serbian full-back Johann Vukanic.”

It is also understood that the Spartans could land another Serbian player in this transfer window – an attacking midfielder. However, talks are still at a premature stage.

The Powerade Cup will be broadcast by Melita Sports who are planning to air all the tournament matches with a delay of 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Fenech also announced that the Spartans will figure in a prestigious pre-season friendly later on this month.

“On August 27, we are planning to play Valletta at the Tedesco Stadium for the Mare Blu Cup,” he announced.

“No doubt, this popular fixture will attract huge interest among the two clubs and we are hopeful that this pre-season match-up will become an annual event.”

Also present for yesterday’s news conference was Gilbert Zammit, representative of Powerade, and Sandro Micallef on behalf of Melita Sport.

Programme

August 13: 6.30 p.m. Ħamrun vs St Andrews; 8.30 p.m. St George’s vs Qormi.

August 16: 6.30 p.m. Floriana vs St George’s; 8.30 p.m. Vittoriosa vs St Andrews.

August 18: 6.30 p.m. Qormi vs Floriana; 8.30 p.m. Ħamrun vs Vittoriosa.

August 20: 6.30 p.m. Third place play-off. 8.30 p.m. Final.