After an historic achievement in Europe, Ħamrun Spartans are now turning their focus to domestic matters as they face Valletta in a highly anticipated derby on Sunday at 19:30, at the National Stadium, from the YoHealth Malta Premier.
Fresh from their 3-2 aggregate victory over RFS of Latvia, which secured them a place in the group stages of the UEFA Conference League, the Spartans will be looking to build on that momentum.
However, with just three days between matches, coach Giacomo Modica is likely to make some changes to the starting lineup, though probably the team won’t undergo a complete overhaul. Despite the tight schedule, Ħamrun are eager to secure their first league win of the season, especially considering the fierce rivalry with Valletta.
“It’s still just the second match of the season, but we’re fully aware of the importance of this game,” said Modica, who expressed hope for an exciting atmosphere at the stadium. “The rivalry is passionate, but we want to keep things positive and focused on football.” Ħamrun’s squad, though fatigued from their midweek European exploits, remains confident in their ability to compete at both local and international levels.
Valletta, on the other hand, will also be determined after a 0-0 draw against Birkirkara in their opening game. Despite a few challenges in integrating a largely new squad, head coach Thane Micallef is optimistic about their progress. “The squad is still adjusting, but we’ve shown good signs in our first match,” Micallef remarked. “It’s about adapting quickly, working together, and proving our worth on the field.”
The upcoming clash will be crucial for Valletta, who are keen to pick up their first win of the season. “It’s a big game, just like every other match,” said captain Brandon Paiber. “We know we can compete with the best, and now we have to show that.” Despite the potential for emotional moments given the rivalry, Paiber insists the focus must remain on performance.
For the Spartans, player Merllin Hadzi, who played in the Conference League previously, highlighted the need to stay focused on the task at hand. “We know the significance of this match for our fans,” he said. “We’ll put our full attention into securing the three points in the league, and then we can shift our focus back to Europe.”
