Today’s Hamrun-Valletta match at the Corradino Pavillion (kick-off 20.00hrs) is a decider for a place in the Super Cup final against league champions Luxol.

It is the second appearance for both clubs after winning their respective first round matches to make it to the Gatorade KO quarter final.

This match was called after last year’s KO winners, Balzan declined from the local futsal scene.

Another opponent was needed, therefore both Hamrun and Valletta who have reached the play-off semifinals last year, were eventually considered to contend this not-so-common encounter.

For both clubs, this is a good chance to gear up for their league commitments as well as to book a place into the Super Cup final and potentially aim to clinch the first honour of the season.

It is still a very interesting situation which will make today’s encounter very interesting to watch.

Although we are still in the premature stages of the season, one expects a bumper crowd at the Corradino Pavillion this evening.

This website contacted Hamrun’s chairman Edward Psaila who seemed already geared up for the encounter.

His club has been working so hard during these days to be in shape for this decider.

“We have been performing some intensive training. Although we started later our pre-season, we are on track as our coaches have prepared some good training sessions.”

When asked about the team’s ambitions for this year, Psaila admitted that this year all the teams have been strengthened.

“It is hard to say. Our aim is to achieve a top four position in the championship and eventually participate in the play-offs.”

Asked about some potential contenders, Psaila mentioned Luxol, Valletta, Lija and Swieqi together with Msida who are ready to give a challenge for the final honours.

The Spartans have obtained some new signings for this season. They have still to monitor the fitness of two players Andy Mangion and Ibrahim Tarek.

On the other hand, Valletta’s president, Dassier Borg is considering this decider as a decisive one.

“This semifinal can be considered as a final. When Valletta play against Hamrun, it’s always an attractive encounter.”

The Citizens acquired some new blood in their squad as they took former Spartans players Mohammed Elamari, Jovica Milijic and Cristian Cuadros Silva. They have also registered Ricardo Ortega Toro, Alex Ellul, Daniel Brincat, Dylan Musu, Joseph Borg and Jesmond Micallef who have a great deal of experience in the local futsal scene.

Borg is positive in his ambitions for this season.

“We would like to participate in the Super Cup final against Luxol. More than that, our aim is to advance to the  play-off league final.”

This plum fixture will be preceded by an initiative taken by the FMA to support the Pink October activity.