The Ta’ Qali Pavilion will be buzzing with excitement on Tuesday evening as Malta’s VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar host Cyprus’ Anorthosis Famagusta in the first leg of their Europe Cup qualifying tie (tip-off: 20:00).
It’s a key moment for both teams, as they look to take a crucial step towards the European group stages.
Starlites come into this tie after a dominant domestic season. The Maltese club completed a clean sweep, winning all four domestic trophies available, establishing themselves as the island’s unbeatable force. However, their coach, Paul Ferrante, is aware that European competition presents a different kind of challenge.
“This year, basically, we have a different start to the season,” Ferrante remarked in his pre-game comments to the team’s socials.
“It was only fair that we give them the opportunity to compete at another level. We had a lot of changes from last year… but overall, the club deserves this opportunity to play against a pro team because let’s not forget that Famagusta are a professional team.”
Ferrante has made key additions to his squad during the summer, bringing in players like Kolten Mortensen, Carson Newsome, Joe Davis, Trevon Reddish Rhone, and Andrew Aquilina to bolster their ranks for what promises to be an intense season ahead. Despite the changes, six core players from last year remain, giving Starlites the experience and cohesion needed to take on such high-level opposition.
Anorthosis Eyeing Group Stage
Anorthosis Famagusta, meanwhile, have their sights firmly set on progressing in Europe. After finishing second in the regular season of the Cypriot League and losing out in the playoffs, they are eager to push forward on the European stage.
Last year, Anorthosis competed in the FIBA Europe Cup but were unable to make an impact, losing both games they played.
Despite these setbacks, the Cypriot side, under the guidance of Antonis Constantinides – last season’s coach of the year in Cyprus – remain confident.
The club has made a string of significant signings over the summer, including Andrew Gordon, Kentwan Smith, Greg Williams Jr, Jarvis Garrett, Viktoras Jeronimides, Andreas Chimonas, and Stefanos Iliadis adding both international flair and local talent.
Technical director Sakis Pasha expressed optimism about the match, noting the importance of their fan support.
“Our goal is to all be together for the first time in a European group stage,” said Pasha, “I’ve heard that we’ll have a good crowd in Malta as well.”
With both teams making key summer signings and aiming for European success, this promises to be an intriguing match-up.
Starlites will look to make their home advantage count, while Anorthosis are determined to learn from last year’s Europe Cup campaign and push for a result away from home.
A lot will depend on how quickly these revamped squads gel under pressure. With passionate fans expected on both sides, it’s sure to be a thrilling contest that will bring high-level basketball to the Maltese scene.
