Stripes kick off title defence against Rabat Ajax
by Ayrton Galea - 17th August 2013
Maltese Champions Birkirkara FC will be lifting the curtain on the highly anticipated 2013-2014 Premier League this evening, when they begin their title defence against Rabat Ajax.
With the Stripes as the reigning Champions, who also clinched the sixth BOV Super Cup in their history just a week ago, will start the Premier League title as the main challengers, along with U*BET FA Trophy winners Hibernians, together with Valletta and Sliema Wanderers.
The Maltese Champions were quite active in the first weeks of the Summer Transfer Market as they signed forwards Senegalese Demba Toure and Nigerian Frank Temile. They also signed defenders Spaniard Ricardo Jimenez and Brazilian Jonathan Maciel but these two were released by the Club at the end of July and mid-August respectively. Also, Zach Muscat renewed his contract with the Club for another three years.
The Stripes lost the services of Nikola Vukanac as the Serbian defender is seeking to continue his football career outside our island while Rodrigo Pereira was transferred to Balzan FC. Joselito Dos Reis and Yosimar Hernandez were not offered a new contract.
Terence Vella, who spent the last eighteen months on loan with Mosta and Hamrun Spartans respectively, returned training with our Club.
On the other hand, Rabat Ajax, under the guidance of Coach Steve D'Amato, who replaced Silvio Vella, will be all out to retain their Premier League status for the second consecutive year.
Rabat made little changes from last year's squad. The Magpies signed former Montenegro Under 21 international goalkeeper, Pavle Velimirovic and Spanish midfielder Dani Palaez. Rabat also managed to acquire Mosta's midfielder Jonathan Bajada on a one-year loan. Former Birkirkara and Qormi striker, Moises Avila Perez is set to join the Magpies but both parties failed to reach an agreement in time to be available for today's match.
Last season, these two teams met twice in the Premier League competition as the Stripes won the first-round match with a 2-0 score, but in the second round Rabat produced a major surprise as they held Birkirkara in a 3-3 draw.
The match will be played at the National Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 18:30.
Come on the Stripes.
| Last Matches Played |
|---|
