Gozo Stadium to host BOV Super Cup on December 8

The Malta Football Association and Bank of Valletta have announced that the BOV Super Cup will be played on Thursday December 8th at the Gozo Stadium, kick-off at 16:00.

This is the first time ever in its history that the Super Cup is not being played in Malta and will see last season’s BOV Premier League champions Hibernians and Izibet FA Trophy winners Floriana compete for the Cup.

The first ever ‘BOV Super Cup – Gozo Edition’ was officially launched on Monday by MFA Vice President Matthew Paris and BOV COO Ernest Agius in the presence of Dr Samuel Azzopardi, President of the Gozo Football Association, The Hon. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation and The Hon Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo.

Photos courtesy of Domenic Aquilina

Speaking on behalf of Floriana, Jan Busuttil said that a final is something they always look forward to with enthusiasm, adding that this was the opportunity to add more silverware for the club. While stating that believes in the potential of the squad and the technical staff, Busuttil added that the players have been working hard although they are aware of strength of their opponents who have a number of players who have been playing together for a long time. The Floriana forward added that this final gives the possibility for fans and their families to travel to Gozo to support their team.

On the other hand, speaking on behalf of Hibernians, Jake Grech said the team is coming from seven positive results – five wins and two draws and although they would be facing one of the top teams, they would be doing their best to win. Grech added that having this game played in Gozo on a public holiday provides a good opportunity for supporters to cross over and support their team for what hopefully would be a great football spectacle.

Gozo FA president Dr Samuel Azzpardi thanked the Malta FA for showing faith in the GFA and its facilities. He added that in the coming days, the Gozo Stadium would also host matches from a Under-19 international tournament. While adding that it was an honour for the Gozo FA to host the competition, Dr Azzopardi thanked the two clubs for agreeing to play this game in Gozo.

“This competition is a collaboration between a number of different organisations – the MFA, the GFA, BOV, the clubs and the players making a dream come true,” said MFA Vice President Dr Matthew Paris. “And we will go beyond the 90 minutes of play with a number of initiatives being organized in Gozo to continue to promote football across our islands, including a Fan Zone at it-Tokk.” 

“As a major supporter of sporting initiatives in Malta, Bank of Valletta is delighted to see the MFA reach out to new audiences and continue to promote football across our islands,” said BOV COO Ernest Agius. “Our extensive support to various sporting initiatives stems from our belief that sports is beneficial towards the physical and mental well-being of our community, in line with our ESG commitments.’

“The Super Cup is a prestigious competition that sees the two top teams of the previous season go head-to-head, in this new setting that is not the norm,” said the Hon. Clifton Grima. “I thank all those who are making it possible, the players who ultimately are those who give us the spectacle of football, and all those who are working behind the scenes to make this project possible.”

“On behalf of the Island of Gozo, I must express my gratitude and brining such a competition to our island, where we are investing heavily in sports facilities to make sure that other major sport initiatives will make their way to Gozo,” said the Minister for Gozo Hon. Clint Camilleri. “This is an golden opportunity for internal tourism towards the island during the winter months and will also be a great experience for the people of Gozo who will have the opportunity to enjoy the BOV Super Cup without having to cross over to Malta.”