Sevasta, Effiong leave St George's

Emanuel Sevasta will play for Floriana in the Premier League next season and his former St George's team-mate Alfred Effiong yesterday joined Hamrun Spartans.

The recruitment of defensive players has been a top priority for the Greens since losing Ian Azzopardi to Sliema Wanderers.

Sevasta, 26, had a positive year with St George's who were relegated to Division One last season.

Floriana are also looking to engage two new foreigners to replace Riad-Mynel Gango-Rtsa, whose contract was not renewed, and Serbian forward Bojan Spasojevic. Brazilian Wendell Gomes has been confirmed for another season.

Meanwhile, the Greens are close to concluding negotiations over new contracts with Trevor Cilia, Christian Cassar and Manolito Micallef.

Effiong signed a one-year deal for the Spartans who are also seeking to strengthen their ranks. New coach Marco Gerada was on the St George's bench in season 2006/07.

Lee Lombardi, who was a target for Floriana, is set to join Birkirkara. The Sliema defender was out of contract and last night reached a verbal agreement with the Stripes.

Sliema Wanderers will hold their AGM at the Preluna Hotel tomorrow at 10 a.m. New signings Ian Azzo-pardi and Matthew Bartolo will be introduced to the club members.