On Friday 25th April 2025, the Malta FA held a press conference at Centenary Hall ahead of the final of the BOV Challenge Cup.
The final will be contested by Pietà Hotspurs FC and Valletta FC on Sunday 27th April at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali, with kick-off at 16:00hrs. The match will be broadcast live on the Malta FA YouTube channel.
INCREASE IN BOV CHALLENGE LEAGUE ATTENDANCE
Prior to this, Malta FA General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi and Challenge League Standing Committee President Dino Bonnici presented a number of key details and figures on the BOV Challenge League.
Dr Azzopardi highlighted an increased interest in the BOV Challenge League this year, noting a 38 percent increase in attendance, despite there being less games played.
While she noted that Valletta’s participation was a factor contributing to the BOV Challenge League’s 37,897 total spectators this season, there was an average attendance of 215 spectators per match.
“One notes that there has been an overall increase in attendance, and not related to just one team.”
“It is also important to highlight that the BOV Challenge Cup has contributed to less games during the league season,” Dr Azzopardi continued.
On his part, Mr Bonnici congratulated the teams promoted to the top division from the BOV Challenge League, Valletta and Tarxien Rainbows FC, while also welcoming newly-promoted sides Birzebbuga St Peter’s Montekristo FC and Vittoriosa Stars D’Orsini FC.
“There has been an increase in quality and competitiveness throughout the season, and there have been many Maltese and foreign players taking part. This season has once again seen very large attendances.”
For the BOV Challenge Cup, the Malta FA had a new shield produced by English manufacturer Thomas Lyte, who have already produced a number of other trophies for the Association.
BOV CHALLENGE CUP FINAL PREVIEW
Valletta coach Thane Micallef, joined by captain Brandon Paiber, together with Pietà coach Manuel Caruana and captain Zean Leonardi, then took centre stage to preview the long-awaited BOV Challenge Cup final.
Coach Micallef highlighted that the objective of securing promotion was reached, yet the team wants to continue with their momentum, looking to secure the BOV Challenge Cup title as well.
Valletta secured a spot in the final following a dramatic last-minute winner against Zurrieq FC on Thursday.
Coach Micallef stressed that after winning the league, there is always the risk of becoming complacent, yet so far Valletta have approached each game well and with the right attitude. “We are going to do everything we can so that there is no form of complacency, and a final gives you the hunger needed to perform at the highest level possible,” he remarked.
Paiber echoed coach Micallef’s words, also adding that on a personal level, he gradually improved as the season wore on. “Overall I believe that I have had a positive season, and the fact that I managed to receive a National Team call-up again instils a sense of pride within me. Following this final, I will look to continue building on this in the coming season.”
Coach Caruana remarked that while the target of securing promotion was not reached, the BOV Challenge Cup presents an opportunity to reap the rewards of the work done throughout the season.
Pietà made it to the final after a tight encounter against Tarxien on Thursday, emerging as 2-1 winners.
Coach Caruana emphasised that Pietà has built a young team that is primarily from the club’s nursery. “The unity there is in the team is unique given that the players in the squad have grown up with each other,” he affirmed.
“While we will be playing against the best team in this year’s BOV Challenge League, but when I play against such sides, I see it as a means of measuring the work I have done with the team as a coach,” Coach Caruana added.
Leonardi said that the team is looking forward to playing in the final. “As a team, we feel very motivated as we have the chance to be rewarded for the season that we have had,” he added.
