Euro Cup Friendly Tournament gets underway on Thursday

Euro-Challenge-CupThe Euro Cup Friendly Tournament 2014, which serves as preparation for the clubs representing Malta in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, will kick-off on Thursday with the first match between Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 19:00.

The four clubs taking part are BOV Premier League champions Valletta, Premier League runners-up Birkirkara, third-placed Hibernians and U*BET FA Trophy finalists Sliema Wanderers.

As the teams prepare for their European commitments early in July, the four clubs are expected to have in their ranks a number of trialists.

The game between Sliema and Hibernians will probably mark the return of Michael Mifsud with the Wanderers after signing for the club last Sunday. Hibs, on the other hand, lost Obinna Obiefule but welcomed back a number of players who were on loan with elsewhere.

On Friday, champions Valletta take on runners-up Birkirkara. Under the guidance of Gilbert Agius, the Citizens have so far signed Tarxien goalkeeper Nicky Vella, Hibernians and Malta international defender Ryan Camilleri and Australian winger Adrian Zahra. A regards foreigners, Georgian duo Nukri Revishvili and Irakli Maisuradze who played an important role in the Citizens’ road towards the championship moved abroad.

Birkirkara, on the other hand, will be without Rowen Muscat who is expected to move to Olimpic Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The remaining fixtures are as follows:
Sunday 22 Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta
Monday 23 Birkirkara vs Hibernians
Wednesday 25 Hibernians vs Valletta
Thursday 26 Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara

All matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 19:00.

Ticket prices are as follows: Adults – €6, Senior Citizens – €4 and children €1.