Jesmond Zerafa will today face Valletta for the first time since ending his trophy-laden two-year stint with the capital club as Qormi lock horns with the champions (kick-off 4 p.m.).
In his time at Valletta, Zerafa steered his home club to back-to-back league titles but his contract was not renewed last summer as the City hierarchy hired Mark Miller, the former Hibs coach.
Zerafa took a short break before returning to the fray after accepting the proposal of Qormi, his former club, to succeed Stephen Azzopardi, now at Floriana.
Despite his inbred affection for Valletta, Zerafa will put his emotions to one side this afternoon as he strives to extend Qormi’s unbeaten run to five matches.
“It doesn’t make any difference,” Zerafa replied when asked if this match carries added significance, given that it will be the first meeting with his former club since taking over as Qormi coach.
“This will be a difficult match for us. We’ve attained a good rhythm lately so it’s important that we maintain this improvement. The emphasis is on producing a sound performance.”
Qormi’s rejuvenation under Zerafa contrasts starkly with Valletta’s slump.
In fact, while the Yellow-Blacks have taken 10 points from their last four games to revive their top-six hopes, the champions have collected only four from the last-available 15.
The Citizens snapped their winless run last weekend after they beat Ħamrun Spartans 3-1 to reach the last 16 of the FA Trophy but they are still under pressure to stop the rot in the league.
Zerafa is not reading too much into Valletta’s wobbles of late.
“Every team goes through a difficult patch,” he contended.
“The key is not to let the negative spell last too long. Valletta are not in the best situation but they are still the strongest force in Maltese football.”
Qormi are not at full strength today as winger Leighton Grech, who scored the winner against Hibs, is out with a groin problem while Roderick Sammut (knee) and Matthew Bartolo (ankle) are still sidelined with injuries.
Pressed to describe his feelings ahead of today’s game, Zerafa said: “I spent two great years with Valletta. This game will evoke a sense of nostalgia.
“It’s not easy to face your home team and one that has given you so much satisfaction but during the 90 minutes personal feelings will be put to one side.
“I have a responsibility to serve my team to the best of my abilities and I also have a lot of respect for the Qormi fans. The same goes for the Valletta supporters. They were always behind me when I was their coach and I want to thank them for that.”
Meanwhile, Miller will be looking to outwit Zerafa as he strives to end Valletta’s winless streak in the championship.
He is expected to name new signing Joseph Jojo Ogunnupe in his squad after the young African striker’s international transfer certificate arrived yesterday.
Valletta will be hoping that the 20-year-old Nigerian brings some much-needed firepower to their attack as the Citizens have struggled up front in recent games.
Michael Mifsud is doubtful as he is still receiving treatment for a groin injury while defender Steve Borg is recovering from a knee problem.
First round – Vallett vs Qormi 3-0.
Negrin joins Rabat
Rabat Ajax vs Birkirkara (today 2pm, National Stadium).
High-flyers Birkirkara will be confident of returning to winning ways as they face bottom-placed Rabat Ajax.
The Stripes were held to a 2-2 draw by Balzan in their last league outing. Captain Gareth Sciberras is unlikely to be risked as he is still recovering from an adductor strain while Joselito and Shola Shodiya Haruna are also on the casualty list.
Rabat have signed Spanish striker Luis Jose Armaro Negrin, formerly of Melita, as a replacement for the departed Nerijus Astrauskas.
Coach Silvio Vella is concerned about the fitness of Clive Brincat while Adam Smeir, Chris Schembri and Ryan Micallef are still injured.
First round – Birkirkara vs Rabat 2-0.
Floriana vs Balzan (Monday 6pm, Tedesco Stadium).
This is a clash between two teams coming from a series of positive results.
Floriana have taken seven points from their last three games while Balzan are undefeated in their last eight league matches.
Floriana coach Stephen Azzopardi is hoping that Ryan Darmanin will shake off the injury he sustained in the FA Trophy win over Melita.
Pedrinho missed Balzan’s FA Trophy victory over Naxxar Lions but the Brazilian livewire is expected to play this match.
Clint Micallef is out with ankle trouble while goalkeeper Matt-hew Camilleri is still recuperating from cruciate knee surgery.
First round – Floriana vs Balzan 3-1.
Mosta vs Sliema Wanderers (Monday 8.15pm, Tedesco Stadium).
Sliema are desperate for a win to soften the upset of a shock FA Trophy exit to minnows Żebbuġ Rangers last week.
Besides, the Blues have lost their last two Premier League matches.
Mosta are out of the FA Trophy as well but they beat Valletta in their last league outing.
Alfonso Greco, the Sliema Wanderers coach, is keeping his fingers crossed that Ivan Woods and Luca Martinelli recover from injuries.
Mosta coach Steve D’Amato must reshape his defence as Bryan Agius and Luke Dimech are suspended and Steve Bezzina is out injured.
Goalkeeper Justin Haber is highly doubtful after bruising his ribs in the 2-1 FA Trophy loss to Hibernians.
First round – Mosta vs Sliema 2-0.
Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa gestures from the sidelines, Photo: Matthew Mirabelli