Sliema Wanderers and Valletta all set for momentous Jubilee Cup final encounter

Sliema Wanderers FC and Valletta FC are set to face off in an intriguing encounter on Monday evening in the historic final of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, powered by Enemed.

The two sides will be taking on each other on Monday 8th December, with kick-off at 17:30hrs at the National Stadium.

The Malta FA Jubilee Cup is a one-off competition that is being held as part of the Association’s 125th anniversary. The competition, which commenced earlier this season, featured teams from all of the Malta FA’s member clubs and associations.

On Sunday morning, a press conference was held at Centenary Hall ahead of the exciting final, as both sides highlighted their determination to get the win over the line and earn their first piece of silverware for the season.

Commenting on the occasion of the final, Sliema coach Paul Zammit stated the staff used the competition as an opportunity to continue finding consistency and strengthen squad depth.

“This has been a very important competition for us, and thanks to the work done by the technical staff and players, we managed to reach the final. In terms of preparation, both teams have very experienced players, so such a final does not only require preparation from the coaches, but also the players,” he said.

On his part, Valletta coach Thane Micallef remarked that in terms of preparation, it is similar to a regular game, as one prepares for each game in the best way possible.

“This competition brought forward the idea of including more local talent, with Maltese players getting more minutes. I believe that we had a very positive route to the final, and the squad continued to push itself game after game. We are looking forward to playing in tomorrow’s final,” he added.

In order to make it to the final, Sliema had to face St Andrews FC in the Round of 32, going through on penalties, Birkirkara FC in the Round of 16, winning 3-2 and Mosta FC in the Quarter-Finals, emerging as 2-0 winners. This was then followed by a nerve-racking semi-final against Zabbar St Patrick that went all the way to penalties, with the Blues winning 9-8.

Valletta have showcased their defensive grit throughout the competition, and are yet to concede a goal. They first took on Melita FC, winning 1-0, before easing past Mgarr United. This was then followed by a 2-0 win over rivals Hamrun Spartans FC, before getting past Tarxien Rainbows FC in the semi-final.

Sliema captain Steve Pisani said that every player dreams for playing in such finals. “It is easy to motivate yourself and the team because of the importance of the match. It helps us that this is the fourth final that we will be playing in two years, so we are getting used to the preparation for such matches.”

Brandon Paiber, captain of Valletta, remarked that the players know the importance that such a trophy has for the club and its supporters. “We work hard and follow the plan that the coach provides, and on the day we try our best to get the win over the line.”

Both coaches highlighted the respective opponents’ qualities and strengths, noting how tight the match will be on Monday evening.

“We are proud to have reached this stage, but at the end of the day, the fact that we are trying to become part of history through this trophy, the motivation comes naturally,” Zammit remarked.

“For us coaches, these games tend to be slightly easier, as it is much easier to motivate the players. Our objective is to win in every competition that we are in, and tomorrow is another opportunity to do so,” Micallef stated.

Both teams called on the supporters to come to the National Stadium and support their respective teams on Monday.

“I want our fans to come to the stadium, and to show their passion, like they always do,” Paiber stated.

“Irrespective of who you support, come to the stadium, and we try to give you a great match to watch,” Pisani concluded.

Make sure to secure your spot for the final of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, powered by Enemed, taking place on Monday 8th December, with kick-off at 17:30hrs.