Hibernians lead Maltese challenge

Hibernians FC will be the team to beat as the Maltese season starts again tomorrow.

Hot favourites
The reigning Maltese Premier League champions are already being tipped as hot favourites to retain their crown with an exciting young side with an average age of just 24.

European success
Such is their confidence in their own abilities that Hibernians have made only one summer signing with Victor Bellia making the move from Naxxar Lions FC, and their victory against Irish champions Shelbourne FC in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League has given them good reason to feel optimistic.

Mighty Mifsud
Last season's team captain Silvio Vella has decided to hang up his boots after a successful final campaign, but should Nigerian midfield pairing Essien Mbong and Chuckunyere Ndubisi continue to provide the same level of service to prolific striker Adrian Mifsud, another title could well be in the offing for Robert Gatt's side.

Stiff competition
However, Hibernians will meet stiff competition in the new season, as Sliema Wanderers FC and Birkirkara FC have both been active in the transfer market as they aim to create squads to challenge the reigning champions.

Ambitious Aquilina
Edward Aquilina has taken over as Sliema coach from Englishman Jeff Wood and, with new international signings Joe Brincat and Jeffrey Chetcuti plus Brazilian Edoardo do Nascimento, Aquilina is eager for immediate success.
 
Birkirkara trio
Birkirkara, meanwhile, have signed Under-21 international goalkeeper Justin Haber and George Mallia while Czech midfield player Jaroslav Marx completes a trio of new acquisitions for the club. Their supporters will also take confidence from the news that team captain Antoine Zahra has recovered from a long-term injury in time to lead their title charge.
 
Disappointing campaign
Valletta FC will have much to prove after a poor 2001/02 campaign in which they surrendered the championship and finished the season without major silverware for the first time in twelve years. 

Carabott returns
New signings Daniel Bogdanovic, Keith Fenech and their latest Bulgarian recruit Milen Penchev Stefanov should put Valletta back amongst the elite of Maltese football. International skipper David Carabott also makes a welcome return after a horrendous injury in an international game last February.

Quiet summer
Floriana FC and Hamrun Spartans FC have had a quiet summer. Floriana have been weakened by a number of players seeking new pastures with other club this term while Hamrun have settled for the same basic squad as last season.

Farrugia in command
With former U21 national team coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia now in charge, Pietà Hotspurs FC could be the surprise package of the competition. The coach's positive, professional attitude towards the game could make all the difference as his side aim for a top-half finish.

Pressure on Marsa
There is also a new coach at Marsa FC where Patrick Curmi has taken charge, and after a drab season in 2001/02 they will be gearing themselves up for another struggle against relegation.

Newly promoted sides
The two newly promoted sides Mosta FC and Marsaxlokk FC will find the going tough in the top flight. Mosta FC have been strengthened by the acquisition of goalkeeper Saviour Agius from Lija Athletic FC while Victor Carbonaro has taken over as coach from Bulgarian Bobby Giorev - the man who steered the Blues to promotion last season.

Veteran players
Marsaxlokk FC, meanwhile, a team from a colourful fishing village, have been heavily engaged in the transfer market. They have recruited no less than thirteen new players. There will be plenty of experience in the squad, notably Reggie Cini the former Valletta and Sliema goalkeeper, former Sliema players Richard Buhagiar and Nigerian Uwe Ogbodo and former Birkirkara man Michael Cutajar.

Same format
The new championship will retain the same format as last season with the ten teams playing each other over two rounds in the first phase and subsequently dividing into two final championship and relegation pools in the final phase of the season.