Murphy Akanji knows all about the pitfalls of playing for a prominent club. Last year, the Nigerian goalkeeper was the subject of fierce criticism after committing a costly error in Sliema Wanderers' 1-0 defeat to Birkirkara in the Trophy final.

That mistake had cast serious doubts about his future with Sliema as word spread that the club was looking to offload the goalkeeper who had come into our football with a significant international pedigree.

Akanji found it hard to put up with all the negative things that were being said about him but he vowed to bounce back.

Fast forward a year. Akanji has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league, helping Sliema win their first title in seven years.

His vintage form was also evident last Sunday as his saves kept Sliema in the game at a juncture when Hibs were threatening to put the result beyond their opponents.

Now that the Wanderers have secured a second shot at the Trophy, Akanji is determined to round off the season by leading his team to the triple crown.

"I have to thank God for having enjoyed such a good season," Akanji told me yesterday. "I also thank the fans who have supported me through the good times and the bad.

"I remember sitting with you in a Valletta cafeteria a year ago after the disappointment of losing the Trophy final. I remember telling you that every hardship, every disappointment in life is a challenge towards a greater goal.

"I was determined to bounce back and my good contribution this season is down to three things... concentration, determination and dedication," Akanji said.

"First and foremost, I made up my mind not to think too much about the Nigerian national team. Missing out on the World Cup squad was a blow on a personal level but at the start of this season, I was determined not to let my international career be a distraction from my club commitments," Akanji added.

Akanji's resolve to get his act together after a negative ending to the previous season was crucial to Sliema as much as the sterling contribution of the other members in their title-winning squad.

The Nigerian believes that the serenity in the Sliema camp after their league triumph is an advantage ahead of this evening's final.

"There is an excellent relationship between the players, committee, coaches and fans. We had a good season, culminating in us being crowned champions for the first time in seven years.

"However, I must stress that the season has not ended. Everyone involved with our club is willing to contribute to help the team win not just the double but the triple crown.

"I have been told that it's 40 years ago when Sliema last won the double. I'm sure everyone will be happy to be part of such a prestigious feat in the history of this club," the 25-year-old Akanji, formerly of Nigerian club Julius Berger, said.

Stiff challenge

Akanji is bracing himself for a stern challenge from Birkirkara. "Birkirkara are a good side and they will be eager to prove a point after failing to win the league. They want to win this final but so do we."

Every player taking part in this evening's final will be determined to get his hands on the FA Trophy but no more than Akanji who will be looking to banish the bad memories of last year's final.

"It was an unfortunate episode but what made it look worse is that we lost the final 1-0," Akanji recalled of last year's showdown with Birkirkara.

"Had the team managed to equalise, then my mistake would not have created such a stir but these things happen. I don't think that Sliema played badly in that final but anyway, that is history. That game will not be on my mind when we face Birkirkara and all I can say is that I am prepared to give my all," Akanji maintained.

The rivalry between Sliema and Birkirkara has been one of the highlights of the league campaign and two finals between them - Trophy and Super Cup on Sunday - should provide an interesting finale to the domestic season.

"Games against big teams like Birkirkara motivate me more not just because of the rivalry but because they are a quality side," Akanji said. "I prefer to be involved in tough games against players who have the same attitude as ourselves."

Nenad Veselji is ruled out of today's game by a knee injury but otherwise Edward Aquilina can bank on a full complement. Aquilina has declared himself optimistic that midfielder Joe Brincat will prove his fitness ahead of the clash against his former club.

Meanwhile, reports that a Sliema midfielder has tested positive for a banned substance in a league match have neither been confirmed nor denied by the club.