Champions Birkirkara will start the defence of their BOV Premier League title with a match against Rabat Ajax on the weekend of August 17-18.

The draw of the opening programme of the country's top championship was made during the 2013 MFA Awards ceremony, currently underway at the MFCC in Ta' Qali.

The Stripes, who won their fourth championship after beating Hibernians 3-1 in a title decider last month, will open their 2013/14 campaign a Rabat Ajax side who managed to retain their Premier League status following their promotion from Division One the previous season.

Hibernians, the 2012/13 Premier League runners-up, face neighbours Tarxien Rainbows in their opening game while Valletta, third last season, kick off against Mosta.

The other opening-day fixtures are Sliema-Qormi, Naxxar Lions-Floriana and Vittoriosa-Balzan.

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