Balzan, Valletta chase BOV Super Cup glory

BOV Premier League champions Valletta and FA Trophy winners Balzan cross swords at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 15:00, for the first honour of the season – the BOV Super Cup.

Valletta won the competition twelve times, including two out of the last three editions when they defeated Sliema Wanderers 2-1 in 2016 and Balzan 2-1 last year.

For Balzan, that was the only appearance in the Super Cup final but in the same way that they defeated all odds last May when they beat Valletta on penalties in the FA Trophy final following a most exciting 4-4 draw, they hope to lift the BOV Super Cup for the first time on Saturday.

Seven points separate the two teams in the BOV Premier League table as the Citizens share second place with Gzira United on 25 points, six behind leaders Floriana, while Balzan share sixth place with Hamrun on the 18-point mark. In the only encounter between the two teams this season, Valletta defeated Balzan 2-0.

Addressing the media on Friday, Valletta coach Darren Abdilla said that this was another final which Valletta would be doing their utmost to win although they expect a difficult game against a strong Balzan side. He added that the players are focussed on the game and know how to handle the pressure.

Balzan coach Jacques Scerri, on the other hand, said that his players will be all out to lift the Super Cup after winning their first major honour last May.