Michael Galea about the Super Cup Final

by Ayrton Galea - 20th August 2010

On Saturday, Birkirkara FC will be playing the highly expected match against Valletta FC, where both teams will be battling for the Super Cup. The Super Cup is played between the champions of the Premier League, and the winners of the FA knock-out Trophy. This will be the fourth time these two teams are meeting in this competition. The first three times saw the 'Citizens' lifting the cup.

Last Season, Birkirkara achieved the unexpected by emerging as winners of the BoV Premier League, with title favourites Valletta ending at just one point behind the Champions. Valletta made up for this disappointment and won the U*Bet FA Trophy, with a win in the final against Qormi with score of a 2-1.

Birkirkara has managed to win this cup for five consecutive times, being the only team who managed to do so. The first Super Cup was brought down to Valley Road in 2002 was when Birkirkara beat Hibernians with a 1-0 score line after extra time. In 2003, Birkirkara beat Sliema Wanderers with a 2-0 win. The third victory of the Super Cup for Birkirkara arrived just a year later, in 2004 when Birkirkara beat the 2003-2004 Premier League Champions Sliema Wanderers once again with a 3-1 score line after extra time. In 2005, Birkirkara registered their 4th consecutive Super Cup win against Sliema Wanderers when for the 3rd time, the 'Stripes' beat the 'Blues' with a 3-0 victory. The 5th and final Super Cup win for 'The Stripes, was a year later, when Birkirkara managed to beat Hibernians with a 2-0 score line.

On the other hand, Valletta has won this cup seven times, making them the team with the most wins in this competition. The first Super Cup, dating back to 1990 was won by Valletta, when they managed to beat Sliema Wanderers with a 3-0 score line. Their second Super Cup, five years later in 1995, was won after the extra time score was reading a 2-2 score line against Hibernians. The Lilywhites emerged as winners thanks to the penalty shoot out. Then, in 1997, Valletta beat Birkirkara with a 5-2 score line to win their 3rd Super Cup. The Citizens' 4th Super Cup was won in 1998 when they beat Hibernians with a 2-0 score line which lead them to conquer two Super Cups in a row. In 1999 they, once again, managed to beat Birkirkara with a 2-1 score line, giving them their third consecutive Super Cup. The 6th super cup arrived two years later, in 2001, when Valletta beat Sliema Wanderers with a 2-1 score line. Their 7th Super Cup arrived in 2008 when they beat Birkirkara with a 2-0 score line.

The 'Stripes' have never, as yet, managed to beat Valletta in a Super Cup final, so next Saturday they will surely be doing their best to win their 1st Super Cup against Valletta, a win which would put 'The Stripes' only one super cup away from equalling Valletta in the number of wins.

Team Captain, Michael Galea, had a message to 'The Stripes' supporters for this eagerly awaited game. "Following our extremely successful stint in the European competition a few weeks back, we are now looking forward to turning our focus back to the domestic scene. Next Saturday's game is yet another important game for the club, not only as it pits us against our eternal rivals Valletta, but mostly because it gives us the opportunity to land another top honour of Maltese football."

Michael Galea then talked about the work and extensive preparations him and the rest of team have been undergoing as this match has been approaching. "We have worked hard in these past weeks, along with the coach and the rest of the technical staff, to make sure we are all adequately prepared for tomorrow's game and we are looking forward to giving a great performance. Although we shall have some players missing, I am convinced that whoever is called up by the Coach will do a great job"

His last comments were for all the supporters, as he encouraged the fans to come and support the team, "A final note to all supporters: we know that this is a particularly important week for the 'Karkarizi' due to the 'Festa' celebrations. We shall try our utmost to bring yet another trophy to 'Il-Wied' and more reason for celebration. Your support is vital to us! "

The match will be played in the National Stadium with a scheduled kick off at 19:00.

See you all there. Your support will make a difference!

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