Four Clubs Gear Up for High‑Stakes Meridianbet FA Trophy Semi‑Finals

The stage is set for an exciting weekend of knockout football as Gżira United, Naxxar Lions, Valletta and Birkirkara prepare for the Meridianbet FA Trophy Semi‑Finals at the National Stadium. Gżira face Naxxar on Saturday 4 April at 13:45, followed by Valletta against Birkirkara at 17:30.

At a press conference held at the Trophies Lounge in Ta’ Qali, all four club representatives Gżira coach Darren Abdilla, Naxxar director Omar Borg, Valletta coach Thane Micallef and Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit shared their thoughts ahead of the decisive ties. Each highlighted the difficulty of preparing after several players only recently returned from international duty, though the break also allowed injured players to recover.

Abdilla emphasised Gżira’s ambition to reach Europe, while Borg noted Naxxar’s dual challenge of improving league form and navigating a coaching transition. Micallef praised Valletta’s resilience, particularly in their extra‑time win over Ħamrun Spartans, and Zammit underlined Birkirkara’s renewed identity since his return.

All four stressed the importance of mental preparation and the crucial role of supporters, with each club calling on fans to create a memorable atmosphere as they chase a place in the final.

#MaltaDaily