This Saturday at 18:45, Valletta take on Birkirkara at the National Stadium in the first match of the newly named YoHealth Malta Premier. It’s a big occasion for Valletta, who are back in the top division after gaining promotion, and are hoping to prove they belong with the best once again.
Valletta have made a number of important signings ahead of the new season. They’ve brought in Yannick Yankam and Sava Radić, as well as Mattias Ellul and experienced defender Steve Borg from Ħamrun Spartans. To strengthen further, they’ve added foreign players with local league experience like Jefferson De Assis, Jackson Mendoza, Thaylor Aldama, and Yuri Messias.
Birkirkara have also been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Spanish goalkeeper Miguel Martinez, defenders Marcos Maydana and Stefan Marjanovic, along with Jan Busuttil, Geoffrey Acheampong, and Franklin Sasere.
Valletta’s head coach Thane Micallef said the team is physically ready and believes the mix of experienced players and youngsters gives them balance. He admitted Birkirkara will be a tough test, calling them a strong, competitive side that were very close to winning the double last season.
Club captain Brandon Paiber spoke with pride about staying with Valletta during their time in the Challenge League and now leading the team back in the top flight. He believes the quality of players like Steve Borg and Yuri Messias will help raise the team’s standards.
On the other side, Birkirkara coach Stefano De Angelis said last season’s near misses in two finals were hard to take. While they lost key players like Satariano, he’s happy with the new arrivals and confident they can push for silverware again.
New captain Leandro Lacunza is also feeling positive, saying he’s proud to lead the team and believes Birkirkara have strengthened well enough to challenge for trophies this season.
