Football is a game that provides different emotions to players and fans and the last seven days Valletta and Balzan experienced contrasting feelings after a dramatic end to the Premier League season.

Valletta were on fiesta mode after winning their 24th league title last weekend while on the other hand Balzan are still trying to come to terms with the heartache of missing out on the league title for a second successive season.

The two big rivals will have a chance to show who is really the best team on the island tomorrow when they face each other in the FA Trophy semi-final at the National Stadium and surely neither group of players will be short of motivation.

Danilo Doncic, the Valletta coach, said that he would have preferred to face Balzan in the final as it would have providing a fitting finale to an exciting season.

Still, the Serbian said that the match was a huge challenge for his players who are dreaming of completing a league and cup double.

“Obviously after win over Gżira United the players and the coaching staff celebrated in style our league triumph,” Doncic told reporters.

“But as from Tuesday it was back to work and I have worked hard to ensure that the players will be fully focused on our semi-final against Balzan as I believe it would be a massive achievement for us if we had to win the FA Trophy.

“I’m pleased that my players are taking this game very seriously and are ready to put on a strong performance on Sunday which hopefully will lead us to the final and closer to an even bigger celebration.

“Balzan are hurting after missing out on the title and we must take advantage of this to try and win the match.”

Valletta defender Steve Borg (left) wins this aerial duel against Balzan during a Premier League clash this season. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaValletta defender Steve Borg (left) wins this aerial duel against Balzan during a Premier League clash this season. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Doncic is expected to be without veteran striker Michael Mifsud who has a muscle injury but otherwise has a full squad available.

On his part, Micovic admitted that missing the league title was hard to fathom for the Balzan players and officials but the Serbian said that they are now focusing all their energies on winning the FA Trophy for the first time in their club history.

“We have the chance to win the first trophy in the history of our club and that alone would already be a great achievement,” Micovic said.

“All players are hurting after we gave away the league title on the final day of the season. But we must raise our heads and prove that last weekend’s match against Hibs was just an off day.

“This is our time to show that we are a better team than Valletta and I have no doubt that if we put in a performance on a par with those we did most of the season there is no doubt that we can win the match and go on and lift the FA Trophy to make this a season to remember for our fans and our club.”

Goalkeeper Ivan Janjusevic out with a calf injury but forward Kadu is available for selection.

Programme

Today (National Stadium)
Birkirkara vs Sliema W. - 16.00

Tomorrow (National Stadium)
Valletta vs Balzan - 16.00

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