Valletta, Balzan in battle for first honour of the 2019/2020 season

Champions Valletta and Trophy holders Balzan will again be the protagonists this afternoon in the match for the Super Cup.

It is the first honour to be won this season and both sides are looking forward to clinch it.

Valletta coach Darren Abdilla has all his squad available, including Santiago Malano who only returned from injury a few days ago, but lamented that this boys are very tired after a long active period which seemed never ending, with League, Trophy, national team and Champions League matches till the end of last season and the start of this season.

He also criticised those who say that foreign coaches (no names mentioned) are perhaps better tacticians than the Maltese coaches. “The Maltese have also done well considering that they are far less respected than the foreigners. Let all give credit where it is due,” he remarked.

He went on to say that this is another final and his team is expecting a good match against strong opponents. “It is a match which could go either way, as was the case last season with the final of the FA Trophy,” he said.

“It will be nice to score another win to clinch a second honour for the club. We “had a somewhat difficult start to this season, but lately we have improved and I believe we are back on the right track.

“Still, we are aware of the strength of the champions. They are passing through a positive run at the moment and it will not be easy to topple them.”

Valletta captain Jonathan Caruana also argued that it was grossly unfair for players not to get a proper rest, especially between one season and another. “It is very difficult for us and I think the authorities must do something to help us in this regard,” he added.

The city captain said he was sure that the team players are motivated to get another success. “We are still thirsty for success,” he said.

Balzan captain Steve Bezzina said he believes that his colleagues are all well prepared for another tough tie as was the FA Trophy final last season.

“We will be doing our utmost to return to our club with a second trophy. If we win, it will serve us as a big boost for the second round in the League,” he said.