Ħamrun Spartans will face three other Premier League teams when they host the fifth Powerade Cup which gets under way at the Tedesco Stadium this Friday.

Tarxien Rainbows meet Balzan in the opening match while the Spartans take on the other newly-promoted side, Gżira United, in the second.

Brian Degabriele, chairman of the tournament’s organising committee, said the Powerade Cup is the perfect opportunity for all four clubs to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the new season.

“This tournament provides the ideal conditions for teams to step up their respective build-ups,” Degabriele explained.

“With Ħamrun all geared up for the Premier League return, we have invited three other top-flight teams to our tournament, making sure the players will test their skills with their peers and for the coach to gauge the form of the squad before real competition starts.

“We think this will be a successful tournament and we hope to attract more teams in the future, making the Powerade Cup a more prestigious pre-season appointment.”

Senior club official Gaetano Debattista said the Spartans intend to enjoy a lengthy stay in the Premier League. He said the club have been very active in the transfer market.

“We have already made a number of acquisitions, all Maltese players,” he said.

“We are hopeful of announcing more new signings for the club in the coming days.

“Last weekend, two foreign players arrived for a trial and another Brazilian is expected to join the squad soon. The coach wants to assess the new foreigners at the Powerade Cup this month.”

Last week, the Spartans were rocked by the news that president Lino Farrugia Sacco had stepped down from his post, only a few weeks after his appointment.

Debattista confirmed that he is serving as acting president until the situation returns to normal.

“We were disappointed to see Dr Lino Farrugia Sacco leave but as a club we have to keep going.

“Now, we hope to identify the best person to take over the president’s duties,” Debattista said.

Marlon Galea, the Gżira United team manager, said the Powerade Cup came at the right moment as the Maroons intend to give some foreigners on trial more playing time before the season starts.

“We want to further evaluate their qualities before we start negotiating,” Galea said.

“We have just finalised the transfer of Clifford Gatt Baldacchino from Sliema Wanderers and, hopefully, two other new signings could be completed by the end of this week.”

Balzan target

Balzan, encouraged by their battling display against Azeri side Neftchi Baku in the Europa League, where they were ousted 3-2 on aggregate, are looking forward to the new season.

“Against Neftchi, we came close to reaching the next round,” club secretary Joe Agius said.

“Our main goal this year is to qualify for European football. We already have a competitive squad but we are still on the look-out for other possible transfers to strengthen our ranks.”

Also present for the Powerade Cup launch was Edward Calleja, the Tarxien Rainbows vice-president.

“At Tarxien, we want to assemble another formidable squad this summer,” he said.

“Last season, we enjoyed a very positive campaign and the coach wants to further consolidate his squad. This tournament will give us a good indication as to which areas we need to strengthen.”

Programme
Friday: 6.30pm Tarxien vs Balzan; 8.30pm Gżira vs Ħamrun.
Monday: 6.30pm Tarxien vs Gżira; 8.30pm Ħamrun vs Balzan.
Thursday, July 28: 6.30pm Tarxien vs Ħamrun; 8.30pm Gżira vs Balzan.

Note: All matches to be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

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