Widely regarded as the two leading candidates for the league title, champions Hibernians and Birkirkara, the FA Trophy holders, will be looking to put down an early marker in today’s Super Cup clash at the National Stadium (8pm).
The mutual respect between these two clubs was palpable at a news conference yesterday as Branko Nisevic and Giovanni Tedesco, the coaches of Hibs and Birkirkara respectively, traded compliments over their showings in Europe but come eight o’clock this evening, the niceties will be put to one side as these two rivals will be looking to kick off their domestic campaign on a top note.
“Well done to Birkirkara for their performances in the Europa League, especially against West Ham,” Nisevic said.
“I was very pleased that Maltese clubs were able to produce positive performances and also achieve positive results in Europe.
“The Super Cup is the first official game of the new season and there is a lot to fight for.
“It is also an opportunity to see the new players and how they have fitted into the squad.
“Birkirkara were one of the teams who gave us a hard time last season. But, we are the champions of Malta and we have to act like that… we have to go on to the field with this attitude.”
Tedesco is excited by the pro-spect of capturing the first trophy of his fledgling coaching career but he paid tribute to Paul Zammit, his predecessor, for helping Birkirkara book their place in today’s curtain-raiser thanks to their FA Trophy success, ironically at the expense of the Paolites.
“If tomorrow (today) Birkirkara are contesting the season’s first final, it’s thanks to former coach Paul Zammit... he guided the team to this target,” Tedesco said.
“Credit to him and all the players.
“I’m approaching the game with a tinge of emotion as this is my first final as coach.
“We are facing a strong team who are led by a very capable coach. Last season, Hibs enjoyed a great run in the league so we have respect for them but we hold no fear and this is what I will try to transmit to the players.”
Their uplifting showings in the UEFA competitions have heightened expectations of a thrilling title duel between Birkirkara and Hibs.
The Stripes grabbed the headlines with their eye-catching display in the 1-0 win over West Ham in the second qualifying round of the Europa League – the English side eventually qualified on penalties.
Hibs caused a surprise after beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 in the home leg of their UEFA Champions League game before going down 5-1 in Israel.
Birkirkara’s rousing performance in their home win over West Ham has prompted suggestions that the Stripes are the team to beat this season but Tedesco was having none of that.
“It’s not true that we are the favourites,” Tedesco said.
“Hibernians have more pressure than us because they are the champions and start favourites.
“We have changed a few things from last season. My players have shown that we can do well. The confidence is high but in football, it takes very little to lose momentum.
“You only lose one match and that can nullify what you had achieved before.”
Tedesco looked downbeat when he spoke of his selection problems ahead of today’s game.
Paul Fenech and Rowen Muscat are highly doubtful with Tedesco revealing that the two midfielders haven’t trained adequately since the home game against West Ham late last month.
Italian forward Fabrizio Miccoli is also likely to miss out after picking up an injury in training.
Asked if Miccoli’s absence would boost Hibernians’ chances, Nisevic replied: “If there is no Miccoli, there is (Vito) Plut.
“Miccoli is a better finisher but Plut works harder. It doesn’t change anything because Birkirkara have 16 to 17 excellent players.”
New signings
Besides Miccoli and Plut, Birkirkara have also signed Brazilian midfielder Emerson Marcelina from Floriana, Bosnian forward Edin Murga and young wing-back Cain Attard from Pietà Hotspurs.
Brazilian winger-cum-forward Liliu has left the club to seek pastures new in Hungary while Zach Muscat has just returned from a training stint with Pisa.
Quizzed about Muscat’s future in light of reports that he has received an offer to join the Lega Pro club, Tedesco said the Malta defender is still a Birkirkara player and will be involved in the Super Cup game.
Hibernians have added Brazilian forwards Gilmar, who had an excellent season with Naxxar Lions last season, and Jorge.
Denni, formerly of Valletta, is on the verge of sealing his move to Hibernians with Nisevic revealing that the Brazilian has started to train with his team.
Nisevic admitted that the signing of three attack-minded players was motivated by his desire to compensate for the absence of Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ who scored 25 league goals last season before joining South Korean club Seoul E-Land on a season-long loan in March.
Birkirkara, who won the Super Cup last year after defeating Valletta 2-1, launch their league campaign with a match against Naxxar on August 21 while Hibs take on Balzan the following day.
In the event of a draw at the end of the regular 90 minutes today, extra-time will be given followed by penalties.