Long-time rivals to vie for Mare Blu Cup

All eyes were on the shimmering trophy on the side table as officials and players of Premier League clubs Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans and media personnel made their way into the boardroom at the Valletta offices of Mare Blu Tuna Farm Limited for the launch of a glamorous friendly yesterday.

Long-time rivals Valletta and Ħamrun will be vying for the brand new Mare Blu Cup when they face off next Friday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (kick-off 7.30 p.m.).

The choice of Valletta and Ħamrun as the two contestants of this pre-season match was a straightforward task for the sponsors as the proprietors of Mare Blu Tuna Farm Limited, who are also the chief sponsors of the City club, are keen fans of these two teams.

Company director Giovanni Cappitta is also a vice-president of Valletta while his younger brother Massimo has a passion for Ħamrun Spartans.

“My brother is an avid supporter of Valletta,” Massimo Cappitta said. “As I grew up in Ħamrun, I feel more attached to this town. Our affection for these two clubs was behind the idea of staging a match between two of the best-supported teams in Malta.

“We hope that the Mare Blu Cup brings back memories of the epic matches between Ħamrun and Valletta in the eighties and nineties.

“Our company’s commitment to this event is total as we will cover all the match expenses.”

Paul Spiteri and Gejtu Debattista, representing Valletta and Ħamrun respectively, are confident that the Mare Blu Cup, which the organisers hope will become an annual fixture, will entice a big crowd to the Tedesco Stadium in light of the sporting rivalry between these two popular clubs.

Spiteri also revealed yesterday that Valletta are about to sign an agreement with the Kunsill Malti għall-Isport to acquire a piece of land in Tal-Ħandaq where they plan to build a stadium and a training complex.

Gilbert Agius, the Valletta captain, said the Mare Blu Cup will bring together two top clubs who have a lot to offer to Maltese football.

Ħamrun Spartans midfielder Ryan Fenech said he was looking forward to playing in this friendly. “A match against Valletta is always a big occasion,” Fenech said. “This game also gives us the chance to show our potential ahead of the new season.”

Joseph Fenech, who has rejoined the Spartans committee after a long absence, spoke about the club’s on-going efforts to reinforce their first-team squad. Ħamrun have captured a host of players, including veterans David Camilleri and Massimo Grima, goalkeeper Omar Borg and Scottish forward Dean Shields and Fenech hinted that their transfer campaign is not over yet.

Also present for yesterday’s news conference was Jesmond Zammit, Valletta’s team manager. Tickets for the Mare Blu Cup, priced at €5, are already on sale.