Newcomers Venta strengthen squad

Dynamo departure
Belarussian international midfielder Aleksandr Khatskevich, whose contract with FC Dynamo Kyiv had expired, has joined friend and former Dynamo team-mate Oleh Luzhny – who was appointed Venta's player-coach last week – on a two-year deal with an option to extend the arrangement by a further season.

Aiming high
"Oleh invited me to Latvia, and I could not say 'no'," the 31-year-old explained. "I have come here to play, and having heard from the people at the club, I know that Venta will be title contenders."

Lobanovs role
A second addition is 33-year-old Latvian international midfielder Valentins Lobanovs, who recently cancelled his contract with another Ukrainian side, FC Metalurh Zaporizhya, by mutual consent. He arrives on a one-year deal with the possibility of another 12 months. "Lobanovs needs no introduction in Latvia," said Venta managing director Ross Akmens. "We are proud that he chose us despite having offers from more illustrious clubs."

Other reinforcements
Venta have also announced the capture of striker Igors Slesarcuks from FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk and defender Nikolajs Poljakovs from FK Jurmala.