Valletta coach Andre Paus has no doubt that his players will be motivated to capture a league and cup double when they meet Sliema Wanderers in the U*Bet FA Trophy final at the National Stadium on Thursday.

The Citizens won their 22nd championship on Saturday after toppling rivals Birkirkara 2-0 in their final league game.

“I think the players are very motivated because when you are a sportsman, and also a trainer, when you have a chance to do the double, you must do it,” Paus told Times of Malta.

“We are prepared for the match on Thursday. I’m confident about the game and I hope to pick this nice cup.”

Sliema Wanderers finished fifth in the league but Paus is expecting a tough game.

“Sliema are still a good team,” the Valletta coach said. “They haven’t had good results in the last few months but they still have good players. For us, it will be a hard game.”

Asked about his future with Valletta beyond this season, Paus said he doesn’t know yet whether he will be staying, adding that discussions will start after the FA Trophy final.

Alfonso Greco, the Sliema Wanderers coach, is cautiously upbeat about his side’s chances of causing an upset in the final.

“We are preparing like we have always done, aware that we are playing a final,” Greco said.

“It’s an important game. We want to bring satisfaction to the club and supporters but we also that we are meeting a team that has now won the championship and will therefore be very motivated.

“But this is a final, a one-off game where anything can happen.”

Valletta captain Ryan Fenech said that the massive crowd that gathered in the city to celebrate the club’s title success on Saturday has intensified the players’ determination to win the double.

For his part, Alex Muscat, the Sliema Wanderers captain, said the FA Trophy final is a great opportunity for the team to end a somewhat disappointing season on a perfect note.

Sliema Wanderers have won the FA Trophy a record 20 times while Valletta have 12 cup triumphs.