Focus on new signings as top-six race set to intensify

Emboldened by the arrival of sturdy midfielder Jamie Pace, Balzan Youths will be aiming to strengthen their Championship Pool bid when they face bottom-placed Marsaxlokk in today’s second match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (20.15).

Sixth in the standings, Balzan are everyone’s favourites to see off the faltering Marsaxlokk but the unpredictable nature of this year’s league and his team’s struggles to show their best against the so-called minnows are valid reasons for coach Ivan Zammit to urge caution.

“I’ve told my players that the three points attached to this match are the most important for us so far this season,” Zammit told The Times.

“I’m not saying this because I consider the likes of Marsaxlokk, Mosta and Mqabba to be small teams because we’re on the same level but this season we haven’t won against struggling sides but fared better against more-quoted teams.

“This is why I’m wary of this game.”

Zammit believes that a win for Balzan today would enhance their chances of maintaining their challenge for a top-six place till the end of the first phase.

“If we keep the pace, we’re going to give the other contenders a tough ride and seeing Balzan compete with the likes of Sliema and Birkirkara is a big plus for this club,” Zammit said.

Balzan will be without Bledjon Guga, Bjorn Bondin and Jonathan Francica, all suspended, but Clifton Ciantar and Roderick Farrugia are set to return from injuries.

It’s also a measure of Balzan’s ambition that they have managed to sign the highly-rated Pace on loan from Valletta. Pace, 35, was expected to report for his first training session with Balzan yesterday.

Rooted to the bottom of the table with 11 points, Marsaxlokk must halt a five-match losing run if they are to improve their survival chances.

A 5-1 defeat to Division One leaders Pietà Hotspurs in the FA Trophy fourth round did little to lift Marsaxlokk’s spirits but coach Anton Cremona has called on his youngsters to show more self-belief.

“We have to believe more in ourselves,” Cremona said. “The players must start to show their talent. We’re chasing points but it’s difficult to turn the page when things are not going your way.”

After signing Nigerian striker Peter Taiye Oladotun, Marsaxlokk were yesterday working to bring in two players on loan, namely Jermain Brincat from Floriana and young Mġarr goalkeeper Jurgen Muscat.

Cremona has three important players missing for today’s match as Clive Brincat and Sunday Eboh are injured and Patrick Borg is suspended.

In the first round, Balzan Youths beat Marsaxlokk 3-1.

Today’s opening match is expected to unfold into a combative encounter as top-six hopefuls Qormi face a Mosta side buoyed by their positive results of late and the arrival of three new players, Dyson Falzon, Predrag Mirceta and Zakaria Kibona. The latter scored on his debut after coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 FA Trophy win over Xewkija Tigers.

Mosta coach Steve D’Amato is happy with the club’s transfer activity but insisted that the Blues have been on the rise before the arrival of new players.

“We began to show that we can be competitive before the new signings came,” D’Amato said.

“We’ve obtained a string of positive results but, the squad has been strengthened significantly in the last few weeks. We’re going into this match in high spirits but we know that for Qormi, this is a do-or-die clash. They have always been in the Championship Pool in the last few years.

“From our side, we’re also determined to get another positive result and I’m very upbeat about our chances.”

Qormi coach Stephen Azzopardi is expected to give a debut to English defender Kris Thackray, 23, while Nigerian winger Abubakar Bello-Osagie has returned from his trial with Polish outfit Cracovia.

Azzopardi has also been assessing the qualities of Ivorian defender Vincent Koualdi who is on the books of Italian side Milazzo.

Brazilian forward Jorginho is suspended and Dino Cachia is out with an adductor injury.

For Azzopardi, the next five games are crucial for Qormi.

“The next five games are vital as they will decide whether we will reach our Championship Pool target,” Azzopardi said.

“Qormi are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and will inaugurate new training pitches on Saturday (tomorrow). I hope the team mark this important period in the club’s history by qualifying for the Championship Pool.”

Qormi beat Mosta 4-1 in the first round.

Programme

Today (Tedesco Stadium) 18.00 Mosta vs Qormi; 20.15 Marsaxlokk vs Balzan Youths.

Tomorrow (National Stadium) 14.00 Birkirkara vs Floriana; 16.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta.

Sunday (Hibs Stadium) 14.00 Mqabba vs Tarxien Rainbows; 16.00 Hibs vs Ħamrun Spartans.