Birkirkara, Valletta determined to achieve cup glory

Rivals Birkirkara and Valletta will be going into their last encounter for this season with all guns blazing as they square up in the final of the BOOST Diesel FA Trophy on Saturday at the National Stadium (kick-off 17.00). Champions Valletta will be looking to crown a memorable season by completing a league and cup double but they will be up against a Birkirkara side determined to land another coveted honour. Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, described their presence in the final as just reward for the team’s efforts in a tough season. “This match is the reward for what we have done during the season which has been very difficult for us,” Zammit said. “It was hard to achieve our European target but with the contribution of everyone, especially the players, we managed to do this last Saturday. “The significance of Saturday’s result also means that we are now going to contest this final but qualifying for the Europa League has lifted the pressure off our shoulders.” Birkirkara, who are pursuing their sixth FA Trophy success, secured their Europa League slot after beating Sliema Wanderers 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in last weekend’s semi-final. They finished fourth in the league. “It’s a final and we are happy to be in it,” Zammit said. “We are preparing for it normally. We wil try to, as much as possible, maintain the high standards of football we have shown lately. “Our opponents have shown that they are the team to beat... they have won the league. We have nothing to lose but this is a final and we will be doing our best to bring the cup to Birkirkara.” Valletta coach Danilo Doncic is confident that his team have what it takes to make it a memorable double. “There are no favourites in finals. Having said that I think that, at present, we are in better form than Birkirkara but this doesn’t mean anything,” the Serbian coach said. “A lot of factors are on our side but we have to show this on the pitch. We know how much this means for the club, the supporters and us, the technical staff and players especially. “Hopefully we will win the trophy and the double which would be a great achievement for this season.” Birkirkara captain Nikola Vukanac said winning the FA Trophy would be a great thing for the club. “It means a lot for us,” the Serbian defender said. “We’ve worked hard this season, we have qualified for European competitions for next season and if we manage to win the Trophy, it would be a great thing for our squad. So we will be giving our best to win and celebrate with our supporters.” DOUBLE TARGET Valletta goalkeeper Henry Bonello cherishes the prospect of celebrating a league and cup double. “It’s nice to win the league but it would be even nicer if we manage to win both,” the Malta international said. “The FA Trophy final is nice but you have to win to remain a beautiful occasion. We are playing against one of the best teams of the Premier League, so it will not be easy but we will be giving our all to try and win the match. “Our fans remained behind us in good and bad times and my appeal to them is to give us a last push to try and take the cup to Valletta.” Valletta have won the FA Trophy 13 times in their history. Defender Steve Borg is suspended for the champions.