Coaches praise hard work of teams and staff ahead of Izibet FA Trophy Final

The IZIBET FA Trophy final will be played on Sunday April 30th at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali (kick-off 16:00).  A press conference was organised at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali as part of the run up to the final.

The media was addressed by Birkirkara Coach Giovanni Tedesco and player Yanick Yankam together with Marsaxlokk Coach Pablo Doffo and player Peter Xuereb.

Last Tuesday, Marsaxlokk defeated Gzira United on penalties, while Birkirkara eliminated Mosta in a thrilling 4-3 semifinal.

Birkirkara Coach Giovanni Tedesco explained that at the beginning of the season, the club was courageous enough to change the staff, and a number of players in the beginning of the season and faced a lot of criticism.  Few believed that Birkirara would end in second place and eventually be finalists in the second most important competition in Maltese football.  He thanked the players and staff who worked hard, with the young squad that they have to reach this important milestone.     Coach Tedesco confirmed that they still have to assess Enrico Pepe’s physical form before the game

Birkirkara player and vice-captain Yannick Yankam explained that the team’s philosophy is to face the season one game at a time.  When the performances and the results were coming, the team started to believe in themselves more.  ‘Playing such a final is an opportunity for all of us players, and we urge the supporters to be behind the team and join us at the stadium,’ concluded Yankam.

‘This final is a perfect opportunity to showcase our work.  Securing a place in the final was no easy task however we managed,’ said Marsaxlokk Coach Pablo Doffo who explained that this was the first season for the team after securing promotion from the Challenge League.  He said that the secret behind Marsaxlokk’s success is the strength and unity of the team itself.   Doffo concluded by saying that Marsaxlokk hope to make history.

Marsaxlokk captain Peter Xuereb, explained that the aim is for the team to give their utmost and then the game can go whichever side it wants.  He explained that the team and players believed from the start and have not just secured Premiership status for another year but also reached this unimaginable milestone.

This is the 11th final for Birkirkara in the history of the FA Trophy.  They won 5 of the finals.  The games were: vs Sliema W (2001-2002 / 2002-2003), vs Msida SJ (2004-2005), vs Hamrun S (2007-2008) and vs Hibernians (2014-2015), Marsaxlokk managed to reach the final only once, and that was 19 years ago (2003-2004).  A final which they lost to Sliema Wanderers.

Source: MFA