Birkirkara FC and Hibernians FC are set to face off on Sunday in what is poised to be a thrilling Meridianbet FA Trophy Final.
This will be the fourth time that the two teams will take on each other this season, having already met in the league, with Birkirkara winning two of the previous three encounters, while the Paolites won the other match.
On Friday, the press conference ahead of the Final was held at Centenary Hall, with both sides keen to make their mark and end the season with silverware.
Photos courtesy of Malta FA
The press conference was first addressed by Malta FA Vice President Dr Matthew Paris, Meridianbet’s Byron Falzon, as well as representatives from both Birkirkara and Hibernians.
“These are two clubs who both have rich histories and have played in a number of big games in the past, including the Final of the same competition 10 years ago,” Dr Paris remarked.
He added that there will be plenty of entertainment prior to the game, and that the two teams will offer a brilliant spectacle for all the supporters watching the game.
This season, there were 38 matches (including the Final) in the Meridianbet FA Trophy, with 39 teams involved in the competition.
“In my opinion the Meridianbet FA Trophy has showcased a high level of football from every team involved, and I wish both teams all the best for the Final,” Mr Falzon remarked on his part.
Afterwards, the coaches and captains of the two finalists took centre stage to preview Sunday’s Final.
Birkirkara Coach Stefano De Angelis highlighted that the team is preparing in the best way it can despite having some injuries to key players that could keep them out of the Final.
“Our strength is our players’ will to win that they have been showing since the start of the season. They have done a lot especially from a mental point of view considering the length of the season,” he added.
“We will be facing a team which is very physical and very technical, and therefore it is a match that we will have to approach with the right intensity and desire to win every ball, in the same way we have done throughout our route to the Final,” De Angelis affirmed.
“We have the chance to make this whole season worth it, and we are very motivated. While we are very disappointed because of the loss versus Hamrun last week, we are even more motivated as we want to put things right and lift the trophy,” Birkirkara captain Alexander Satariano stated.
Hibernians Coach Branko Nisevic remarked that the Paolites know the importance of the game, as aside from having an opportunity to end the season with silverware, it also represents a route to getting a place in the UEFA Conference League for next season.
“The approach from the players last Wednesday was fantastic. On the right day, if we have the right frame of mind, we can beat anybody. Despite the setbacks that Birkirkara have had, they have always had the fighting spirit to win and bounce back, and we need to be ready to face that,” he continued.
“From a technical point of view, this is a Final that can change the whole season for us. Getting to the Final, and managing to win the Final, will be a massive satisfaction for us,” Nisevic added.
“I think winning a trophy is always nice, so all the wrongs that were made during the season, you can make them right just with one game. We need to give something back to the supporters who are always there during the good and bad times,” Hibernians captain Bjorn Kristensen explained.
The 85th Meridianbet FA Trophy, which will see Birkirkara play against Hibernians at the National Stadium, will take place on Sunday 18th May 2025, with kick-off at 18:30.