THE RIVALRY THAT CHANGED THE COLOURS For Sliema Wanderers, Floriana are more than just an opponent. They are part of the club’s identity. The rivalry sits deep in Maltese football history. Sliema and Floriana dominated the game for almost 50 years, creating one of the defining competitive relationships in the country. But the rivalry is not only about league tables or trophies. It is written into the colours Sliema Wanderers wear. Official club history links Sliema’s colour change to a friendly against Floriana. Floriana wore red and green, and Sliema moved away from earlier colours to create a stronger identity of their own. The result was blue for the sea around Sliema and light blue in recognition to Our Lady of the Sea (the oldest church in Sliema, dating back to 1878 and the ancient, revered Catholic title of The Virgin Mary). That gives the derby a rare kind of meaning. Many rivalries are about geography, trophies, or old arguments. This one helped shape how the club looks. The rivalry still carries modern weight. In the 2024 FA Trophy final, Sliema faced Floriana again. The match finished 0-0, and Sliema won on penalties to claim a record 22nd FA Trophy. It was not just another cup win. It was a trophy won against the rival whose presence runs through the club’s story. For supporters, Sliema Wanderers vs Floriana is not just a fixture. It is the past meeting the present, and one of the clearest reminders that club identity is often built through rivalry.

Posted by SpectataAdmin2 at 2026-05-31 01:14:22 UTC