Intriguing ties on opening day of 2018-19 BOV Premier League

The BOV Football Leagues fixtures for season 2018/19 were announced on Wednesday during a well-attended event held at the Trophies Lounge.  Kicking off on August 17, the BOV Premier League is set for an explosive start with champions Valletta beginning their title defence with a difficult match against Sliema Wanderers while Balzan, runners-up last season, face neighbours Birkirkara in their opening match. Another intriguing encounter is that between Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans. Newly-promoted sides Qormi and Pietà Hotspurs start their campaign in the top division against Senglea Athletic and Hibernians respectively. The opening programme of the 2018-19 BOV Premier League is: Mosta vs St Andrews, Qormi vs Senglea Athletic, Tarxien Rainbows vs Gżira United; Birkirkara vs Balzan; Ħamrun Spartans vs Floriana; Hibernians vs Pietà Hotspurs; Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta. Valletta are bracing themselves for a tough opening as their initial match against Sliema Wanderers will be followed by clashes with Hibernians and Birkirkara. Prior to the draw, Dr Angelo Chetcuti, the Malta FA General Secretary, announced that the Association has reached an agreement with Bank of Valletta to extend the sponsorship deal for the national leagues, both men and women. Bank of Valletta have been sponsoring the national football leagues for the past 14 years. Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer of BOV, reiterated the bank’s commitment towards supporting what he described as the largest sports organisation in the country as well the national championships of other sport like basketball and waterpolo. Rodney Pisani, the Malta FA Deputy General Secretary who presided over the draws, said the 2018-19 season will see the introduction of some changes in the scheduling of the fixtures to try and attract more fans to our stadia. On Friday, the BOV Premier League match will be preceded by a BOV First Division League match and on certain days there will be three matches in a row at the same venue. Matches will be spread over four days – Friday to Monday. Four stadia will host BOV Premier League matches – National Stadium, Hibernians Stadium, Centenary Stadium and Victor Tedesco Stadium. 2018-19 BOV FIRST DIVISIONOpening programme: Żebbuġ Rangers vs Żejtun Corinthians; Pembroke Athleta vs Gudja United; Santa Lucia vs Qrendi; Mqabba vs Vittoriosa Stars; Naxxar Lions vs Lija Athletic; San Ġwann vs Swieqi United; Sirens vs Marsa.League runs from September 14 to April 28 2018-19 BOV SECOND DIVISIONOpening programme: Siġġiewi vs Mellieħa; Marsaxlokk vs Rabat Ajax; Fgura United vs Melita; Żabbar St Patrick vs Santa Venera Lightnings; Birżebbuġa St Peter’s vs Luqa St Andrews; Mġarr United vs St George’s.League runs from September 8 to April 20 2018-19 BOV THIRD DIVISIONOpening programme: Għargħur vs Xgħajra Tornados; Ta’ Xbiex vs Mdina Knights; Attard vs Kirkop United; Mtarfa vs Dingli Swallows; Msida St Joseph vs Marsaskala; Għaxaq vs Żurrieq.League runs from September 15 to April 14