The best of Maltese Football: Stripes to take on Hibs in BOV Super Cup
by Ayrton Galea - 12th August 2015
Trophy Winners Birkirkara FC and Champions Hibernians, regarded as the best two sides in Maltese Football, will set the ball rolling for the start of the 2015-2016 season when they clash in the BOV Super Cup this evening.
It was a hectic yet brilliant pre-season campaign for both sides, highlighted with a historic victory each, as the Stripes defeated West Ham United, while the Paolites beat Maccabi Tel Aviv. Birkirkara and Hibernians will now lock horns once again in a contest that gives the opportunity to start the season with a cup.
Hibernians were in a class of their own in the BOV Premier League campaign last season, as they were crowned Champions for the eleventh time in their history, while the Stripes, bounced back from the league disappointments by winning the fifth FA Trophy in their history, thanks to a 2-0 victory over the same Hibernians.
Today's match will mark Coach Tedesco's first final with our Club, following taking the helm of the team in June. He said, I'm approaching this game with a bit of emotion as this is my first final as a 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.
The victory over West Ham certainly promoted Birkirkara's aspirations and might put them as favourites for tonight's match, but Tedesco disagrees. It's not true that we are the favourites. Hibernians have more pressure than we do, 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.
Head Coach Mr. Giovanni Tedesco will rely on last minute tests to verify the condition of Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat and Fabrizio Miccoli. Gareth Sciberras is available for selection following a long-term injury.
The match will be played at the National Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 20:00. The Club is organising free transport for the match and it will leave from Valley Road at 18:30 with pick-up points from the Infetti Training Centre and the Birkirkara By-Pass.
By order of the Police, Birkirkara supporters must approach from the direction of Mosta and park their cars in the West Side Parking and the nearby roads. Tickets booths will be open at 18:30.
Come on the Stripes!
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