Stripes, Hibs aim to keep flying high

Encouraged by their positive start, Birkirkara and Hibs harbour high hopes of extending their unbeaten run when they face each other in today’s opening match at the National Stadium (kick-off 6 p.m.).

Before the international break, Birkirkara saw off Mosta 3-1 for their second victory in as many matches while Hibs gained their first win of the season with a 2-1 success over Marsaxlokk after a 3-3 opening draw with Sliema Wanderers.

Although these are still early days, the two teams will be looking at their encounter as an opportunity to lift their performance level as they bid to consolidate their position in the top part of the standings.

Birkirkara are gearing up for arguably their toughest test so far and midfielder Gareth Sciberras is bracing himself for a taxing outing.

“This promises to be our sternest test so far but if you look at the results in the first two weeks, you will realise that all the teams have the potential to offer a strong challenge,” Sciberras said.

“I believe the foreigners are making the desired impact for their respective teams.

“Hibs look strong, especially in midfield and attack. We know we’re in for a difficult game.”

With Shaun Bajada still recuperating from surgery, Birkirkara suffered a fresh blow in midweek when midfielder Rowen Muscat picked up an ankle injury in the first half of Malta U-21s’ 2-1 defeat to Finland. Andrew Decesare is suspended.

Nigerian striker Shola Haruna is unlikely to make his Birkirkara debut today as the club are still waiting for some documents to complete his registration.

On the positive side, midfielder Paul Fenech is poised to make his first start of the season after recovering from a knee injury.

Birkirkara’s bright start has strengthened Sciberras’s belief that they can challenge for important targets this season.

“There’s a good group of players at Birkirkara and the mood is upbeat,” Sciberras said. “We haven’t had enough time to gel as a team mostly due to injuries. I believe that we will improve further with time. All the foreign players are new.

“I have no doubts that we can enjoy a good season, especially if we’re lucky with injuries because we don’t have a big squad.”

Sciberras speaks with a conviction that almost belies the fact that he only joined Birkirkara this summer.

“Personally, I felt at ease with Birkirkara from the very first minute of the first training session,” Sciberras said. “I knew most of the Birkirkara players from the national team and I worked with the coaching staff at Marsaxlokk. The committee also made me feel welcome from the outset.

“My aim is to help the team the best I can.”

The 28-year-old resumes his domestic commitments for Birkirkara high on confidence after his industrious performance in the heart of Malta’s midfield during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Georgia.

“The challenge after playing two games for Malta is to try and maintain the same level of performance,” Sciberras said.

“I’m coming from two high-tempo qualifiers and there is a big difference between the pace of international football and our league. That said, I’m eager to stay on the positive trail, result-wise, after our draw with Georgia.”

Hibs winger Clayton Failla, who was in Malta’s starting team for the last two qualifiers, is backing his team to raise their game further in the coming months.

“We’ve made a good start but we can improve as a team,” Failla said. “The game against Birkirkara will surely be difficult as they are one of the strongest teams but we’ve already had two tough matches against Sliema and Marsaxlokk.”

Matthew Tabone is sidelined with a long-term injury but otherwise, Hibs coach Mark Miller can virtually bank on a full squad. Brazilian striker Marcelo Dias is in line to make his first league start for Hibs after recovering from injury.

Failla believes Hibs are well-equipped to claim a Championship Pool place.

“I anticipate a big fight for the top six and that represents our first target,” Failla said. “We don’t want to end up in the Relegation Pool like we did last season.

“Valletta aside, I think the league will be very balanced. You can win or lose against anyone.”

After an unhappy two-year spell with Sliema, Failla rejoined Hibs this summer and his performances so far suggest that he’s rediscovering his best form.

“In my first training session with Hibs, I felt as if I had never left,” Failla said. “I was at ease and the players greeted me with open arms.”

Like Sciberras, Failla hopes to carry his form for Malta into the league matches. “The rhythm in international games is a lot higher compared to the domestic championship,” Failla said.

“But, it’s good for a player to be involved in these matches. It’s tiring because you have to run a lot but it boosts your confidence, especially after a good performance like we had against Georgia.”

Current standings

Note: Balzan win protest against Ħamrun Spartans, awarded 2-0 win.