Matchday 22 of the YoHealth Malta Premier will be played this weekend, with much of the attention focused on the return of Gilbert Agius to the dugout after he was appointed head coach of Żabbar St Patrick earlier this week.

Agius had been without a coaching role for around 10 months following a spell in charge of PSIS in Indonesia. On his return to Malta, the former Malta international admitted there had been little interest from local clubs until Żabbar made contact. He said the decision to change coach at this stage of the season shows the committee is seeking a fresh direction.

Although he acknowledged that taking over after the transfer window has closed is not ideal, Agius said he found a group of committed players who have responded positively to his arrival. He also expressed belief in the club’s long-term project, particularly its investment in young Maltese talent.

According to Agius, the club has set two main objectives: to secure Malta Premier survival and to progress further in the Meridianbet FA Trophy. Personally, he added a third aim — ensuring that the club’s financial investment translates into results on the pitch. He insisted the young squad deserves to remain in the top flight and vowed to do everything possible to avoid relegation to the BOV Challenge League.

Tough start for Agius

Agius’ tenure begins with three difficult fixtures against Ħamrun Spartans, Valletta and Birkirkara. He described every remaining match as a challenge, but singled out Ħamrun as particularly demanding due to their squad depth and quality.

While congratulating the Spartans for their recent UEFA Conference League success, he noted that coach Giacomo Modica has introduced a different mentality to Maltese football.

Ħamrun go into the match just three days after losing the BOV Super Cup final to Hibernians, and Agius expects a strong reaction from the champions. Regardless of the result, however, he does not want his players to lose confidence, stressing that their immediate goal is to produce their best performances and give maximum effort.

Leonardi: “Agius gives us motivation”

Żabbar defender Zean Leonardi admitted the squad’s morale had dropped following a run of poor results, partly due to lapses in concentration. He said the team is working to improve and that Agius’ arrival has provided a significant boost.

Leonardi described Agius as one of his idols, having grown up watching him play for Malta and Valletta. He also revealed that Agius handed him his Malta Under-21 debut against Spain, and believes working with him again can help the team achieve its objectives.

Modica and Guillaumier reflect on Super Cup loss

On the opposing side, Ħamrun coach Giacomo Modica said his team must move on quickly from the Super Cup defeat, noting that they created numerous scoring chances but failed to convert them — an issue he has observed in other matches and hopes to correct.

He warned that failing to take chances can quickly turn matches against a team and said the final should serve as a lesson. Midfielder Matthew Guillaumier agreed, adding that missed opportunities can create anxiety and disrupt the team’s rhythm, and that the players must remain calm and clinical in front of goal.

Modica also criticised the congested fixture schedule, pointing out that his players have been competing every three days for much of the season and need more recovery time.

Guillaumier, who recently returned to the Malta Premier after a spell in Greece, noted that the league has changed, with more matches and higher expectations. While he welcomed the increased competitiveness, he said the scheduling could be improved. He added that he has settled well back into the squad, both with former teammates and new arrivals.

Weekend fixtures

Ħamrun Spartans face Żabbar St Patrick tomorrow at 21:00 at the National Stadium, preceded by Gżira United vs Valletta at 18:30. Both matches will be broadcast live on TVMsport+.

Saturday’s matches, also at the National Stadium and live on TVMsport+, see Mosta take on Birkirkara at 14:00, followed by Naxxar Lions vs Sliema Wanderers at 16:30.

Matchday 22 concludes on Sunday with Floriana vs Tarxien Rainbows at the Centenary Stadium (11:00) and Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians at the Tony Bezzina Stadium (16:30).