Ħamrun Spartans will be vying for a second pre-season trophy in the space of a week when they face Premier League side Qormi for the Cafe Tivoli Cup on Friday (kick-off 7 p.m.).
Last Thursday, the Spartans lost 3-0 to Valletta in the Mare Blu Cup match but they will be hopeful of a more positive outcome against their neighbouring rivals on the weekend of St Cajetan, the town’s patron saint.
“We are pleased that Qormi FC have accepted our invitation to take part in the first edition of the Cafe Tivoli Cup,” Ħamrun Spartans official Gejtu Cuschieri told reporters.
“This pre-season cup contest will see our team play against different opponents from the top flight every year on the weekend of St Cajetan.
“Unfortunately, due to works being carried out at our ground, we had to switch the match to the Centenary Stadium. We are still expecting a sizeable crowd for an entertaining night of football.”
Victor Camilleri, vice-president of Qormi FC, said the Tivoli Cup will be an ideal build-up for the new season.
“We are honoured to play Ħamrun Spartans in this new pre-season match,” he said.
“Despite the growing rivalry, there is mutual respect between the two club administrations and this match will continue to strengthen this bond. The Tivoli Cup will also be a good op-portunity to gauge our potential ahead of the new season.”
On Friday, Qormi could have a new addition to their squad as coach Stephen Azzopardi revealed that they were closing in on the signing of Daniel Nwoke.
“Yes, we are currently engaged in talks to sign Daniel Nwoke,” Azzopardi replied when asked about rumours linking the Nigerian striker, formerly of Floriana, with Qormi.
“Things are looking good as the player is willing to join our club but there are still some details to sort out. Hopefully, we will complete the deal in the next 48 hours.”
Nwoke scored 13 league goals after joining Floriana in January.
The Greens reported Nwoke to the Malta FA last month for allegedly breaching his contract after the Nigerian failed to rejoin the squad following his holidays.
Qormi already have three overseas players on their books.
Greek defender Christos Karamanolis was retained from last season and this summer, they also acquired the services of two Brazilian players, midfielder Giuseppe Vela and striker Jorginho.
Ħamrun are also looking to strengthen their squad. They are hopeful of agreeing a deal to acquire an experienced Maltese attacking midfielder this week.
Rumours suggest that the Spartans are keen to sign Kevin Sammut from Valletta.
Coach Jesmond Zammit is also mulling the possibility of offering a contract to Nikica Gacesca, a Croatian defender who has left a good impression during a short trial with the club.
Meanwhile, former Malta midfielder Stefan Giglio has left Qormi to join Premier League newcomers Mosta.
Giglio, 32, played for the Yellow-Blacks in the last two seasons after moving from Valletta.
Mosta are also on the verge of adding another player to their fold as it emerged that the Blues are in advanced talks to take winger Cleaven Frendo on loan from Valletta.