Aquilina agrees to stay on as Sliema coach

Sliema Wanderers coach Edward Aquilina and Hugh Caruana, his right-hand man, will stay at the helm of the newly-crowned Maltese champions for another season.

Robert Arrigo, the club president, announced that Aquilina and Caruana have accepted an offer to extend their contract by another year.

Aquilina, who guided Valletta to various honours in the 90s, has hit the jackpot again, leading the Wanderers to their first Premier League title in seven years.

The Blues intend to mark this achievement with a week-long celebrations programme, details of which were given at a meeting at the Coastline Hotel yesterday.

Sliema, who take on Birkirkara in their last Premier League match on Sunday at the National Stadium, are gunning for the double. The Premier League trophy will be presented to Sliema captain Noel Turner at the end of Sunday's match.

Arrigo made it clear that the team already have one eye on the final stages of the FA Trophy, given that their final league matches only have academic importance for the new champions.

Arrigo also said that Sliema are currently beset by a long injury list that includes Brian Said, Joe Brincat, 'keeper Murphy Akanji, Kevin Sammut and Jeffrey Chetcuti.

Sliema's title triumph also coincides with Arrigo's success in the political arena as he was elected to parliament at the first time of asking in last month's general elections.

Arrigo's new status has led to questions about his future in football administration but he reiterated his intention to continue as president of Sliema Wanderers FC.

"The general meeting next month has the power to elect a president. I have no intention of ending my association with Sliema but it's up to the members to decide," Arrigo said.

As the end of the season draws closer, speculation about the clubs' potential forays into the transfer market takes over the football agenda.

Sliema have been among the most active in the transfer market in the last few seasons and have already been linked with moves for a number of players. Arrigo sees no need to recruit many reinforcements in the close season.

"We have a strong squad and that means that we don't need to make wholesale changes.

"Moreover, one must remember that we have up to 17 players returning from loan spells with other clubs. At this moment in time, we have not expressed interest in any player," Arrigo said.

The three foreigners on the books of Sliema, namely striker Danilo Doncic from Serbia and Montenegro and Nigerians Murphy Akanji and Orosco Anonam have also been confirmed for another season.

"Our foreigners are tied by contracts," Arrigo said, adding that Sliema would consider parting company with any of their foreign players if good offers from overseas clubs are received.

Arrigo also congratulated the Sliema U-14 team on emulating the senior team's title success.

The fact that the four band clubs in Sliema have agreed to their involvement in the club's title celebrations is a measure of the unity that the Wanderers' success in football fosters, Arrigo maintained

"The programme marking our 24th title shows that Sliema can celebrate like any other major club in Malta. My appeal is for the fans to converge on The Strand so that we can celebrate together," the Sliema president remarked.

An organising committee has been set up to oversee the celebrations. Most of the activities will take place inside a large tent at The Strand.

Sliema, Arrigo said, have proposed to the MFA that entrance to the stadium for their Champions League match (first qualifying round) in July be free of charge.

"Our proposal is aimed at encouraging more fans to come and watch football," Arrigo said.

Celebrations programme - main events

¤ Sunday, May 11 - A variety show featuring local singers will be held before the match against Birkirkara. A défilè at The Strand takes place after the match.

¤ Monday, May 12 - Children's Day. Representatives and players of Sliema Wanderers will pay a visit to various children's institutes.

¤ Tuesday, May 13 - Football Festival at Tal-Qroqq, starting at 5 p.m. Former Sliema players are invited to participate. Later in the evening, there will be an exchange of mementos between Sliema Wanderers FC and Sliema ASC.

¤ Wednesday, May 14 - Talent show inside the tent - 8 p.m.

¤ Thursday, May 15 - All-time favourites and Karaoke night - 8 p.m.

¤ Friday, May 16 - Disco night - 8 p.m.

¤ Saturday, May 17 - Grand reception and live entertainment inside the tent.

¤ Sunday, May 18 - Band march by four Sliema clubs, starting at 10.30 a.m. Robert Arrigo and Noel Turner will place the cups in the club's trophy room.