Sliema set on more success

By Domenic Aquilina

Changes are afoot at Sliema Wanderers FC as coach Edward Aquilina prepares for next season, when they will be seeking a fourth consecutive Maltese Premier League title – a club record.

Di Lello arrival
Veteran defender Kristian Laferla retired at the end of the 2004/05 campaign, so Aquilina has brought in Mauro Di Lello from Italian Serie C2 side Nocerina Calcio. The signing ends a year-long pursuit of the Italian centre-back, who was on the verge of joining last term before the club were forced to withdraw from the deal having reached their quota of foreign players.

Marsaxlokk move
But while Di Lello arrives at the 26-time champions, midfielder Kevin Sammut is leaving to join Marsaxlokk FC. The 24-year-old Maltese international has had limited opportunities with Sliema, and spent last season on loan at FA Trophy finalists Msida St. Joseph FC. He has agreed a five-year deal.

Dronca departure
Like Sliema, FA Trophy winners and league runners-up Birkirkara FC have also lost a key defender. Romanian stalwart Lucian Dronca's contract expired at the end of last term, and the 32-year-old has opted to switch to Singapore S-League outfit Woodlands Wellington, ending a four-year spell at the UEFA Cup hopefuls.

Valletta stability
Malta's other UEFA Cup representative, Hibernians FC, have cancelled Nigerian international Ndubisi Chukunyere's contract by mutual consent, but Branko Nisevic will be staying at Valletta FC after committing to the club until June 2007. Valletta coach Joseph Aquilina has also signed a one-year extension as he plans for a UEFA Intertoto Cup encounter with OFK Beograd later this month.

Briffa appointment
Following the departure of Willie Vassallo after a disappointing end of season at Floriana FC, former Balzan Youths FC coach Jimmy Briffa will take the helm, assuming control of a squad that includes his son Julian and should vie for a UEFA Cup spot.