Local football returns this weekend with the VBET Malta Premier, with the new season getting underway with a meeting between newly promoted Birżebbuġa St Peter’s and reigning champions Floriana.

A day before the opening match of the new campaign, representatives of both clubs met the media to discuss the fixture and their expectations for the months ahead.

Birżebbuġa targeting Premier survival

Birżebbuġa St Peter’s coach Edgar Degabriele said he was pleased with the opportunity given to him by the club to continue leading the team as they embark on their first-ever season in the Malta Premier.

While some have suggested that Birżebbuġa could be the surprise package this season, particularly following their investment in the squad and the players they have recruited, Degabriele explained that building a strong squad was essential if the club was to retain its Premier League status.

He said the club had worked carefully in preparation for competing in Malta’s top division and believed in its ability to succeed, while also recognising that it would be a difficult journey.

Degabriele said he was satisfied with the squad at his disposal and was not expecting any further additions. The next step, he explained, was to ensure the players developed a better understanding with one another, given the mixture of players who were already at the club and new arrivals, some of whom have experience of Maltese football while others do not.

The club’s objective for the season is clear: to retain its place in the Malta Premier.

Degabriele said Birżebbuġa had completed seven weeks of pre-season, during which they achieved some positive results in friendly matches. However, they will now face what he described as the “giants” of Maltese football.

He highlighted the strength of Floriana, who come into the match after playing four European matches.

Birżebbuġa vice-captain Zachary Cassar said it was an honour to return to the Malta Premier and that it was particularly interesting to begin the season against his former club, Floriana.

He said there was a positive atmosphere within the Birżebbuġa camp and that the club had provided good facilities for the players to continue developing.

Cassar also praised the club’s recruitment, saying the new signings were not only quality players but also possessed the right character.

Portela expects tougher season for champions

Floriana coach Daniel Portela believes the new season will be considerably more difficult for the reigning champions.

He said every team would want to beat the champions and that Floriana would not be able to control the results, although they could control their own performances on the pitch.

Portela stressed that his players would need ambition and character if they were to successfully defend the title.

The Floriana coach also believes the team’s European campaign has provided valuable experience and could result in a different and stronger Floriana side this season.

Captain Dunstan Vella echoed his coach’s views, predicting a campaign containing a number of surprises as well as plenty of disappointment.

He noted that only one team can become champions and four teams will qualify for European football. With all the leading clubs strengthening their squads, Vella said it was inevitable that some teams would end the season disappointed.

Vella described Floriana’s squad as a very strong one, although he said it was still difficult to predict where the team could finish by the end of the campaign.

Regarding Birżebbuġa, he said they had a good team and had made some strong acquisitions. However, he believes the greater pressure will be on Floriana because they are the champions and every opponent will be determined to beat them.

Opening weekend

Birżebbuġa St Peter’s face Floriana on Friday at 18:00 at the Centenary Stadium.

The second match of the day at the same venue sees Balzan take on Marsaxlokk.

The action continues on Sunday at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, where Valletta meet Żabbar St Patrick at 18:00, followed by Sliema Wanderers against Hibernians.

The opening matchday concludes on Monday with two matches at the Centenary Stadium. Birkirkara face Gżira United at 18:00, before Ħamrun Spartans take on Mosta.