Wanderers banking on youth talent

Sliema Wanderers FC are banking on their homegrown players in a bid to regain their status as the top team in Maltese football, club president Steve Abela told reporters yesterday.

Speaking during a news conference at Baystreet Hotel, Abela said that after the setback of last season, in which the Blues failed to win any of the major honours at stake, the newly-elected committee has decided to embark on a three-year plan aimed at regenerating the fortunes of the club.

"Season 2007-08 was a poor one in our club's standards," Abela said.

"When the new committee took office in June we immediately dedicated all our energies on looking at ways and means to put our team among the top in the Premier League. After lengthy talks with coach Stephen Azzopardi we decided on a three-year plan aimed at assembling a strong squad, mostly from those players coming through our nursery.

"Here at Sliema our youth set-up looks well-organised and we have a successful team coming up. Last season, our youth team won the league and cup double and that further strengthened our belief to put more confidence in these upcoming players. In fact, from the 21 players in our senior squad this season, 11 came through our nursery."

This summer Sliema parted with no fewer than eight first-team players, namely, Brian Said, Murphy Akanji, Etienne Barbara, Chucks Nwoko, Sharlon Pace, Orosco Anonam and Brazilians Duda and Andre Rocha Da Silva.

Former club president Robert Arrigo is Sliema's main sponsor this season. The club made up for the noteworthy departures by acquiring the services of goalkeeper Simon Agius, Serbian forward Kosta Bjedov, Australian midfielder Danny Severino and latest signing Victor Coto, an 18-year-old Costa Rican attacking midfielder.

"Our activity in the market reflected the club's new policy of infusing new blood in the squad. We firmly believe they will maximize their potential at our club," Abela said.

"Besides, we have also secured the future of three useful players in our squad with Alex Muscat (three years), Roderick Bajada (four years) and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (three years) signing new contracts. This policy will bear the desired dividends and put Sliema back among the main contenders in the near future."

Sliema started their Premier League campaign on a positive note when they followed their 1-1 draw with champions Valletta with a 2-0 win over Ħamrun Spartans. Coach Azzopardi sounded pleased with the work put in by his players so far.

"Things have gone well for us so far, four points from the opening two matches was very good," Azzopardi said.

"However, apart from the results the most pleasing aspect was the attitude shown by my players. Since the pre-season they are showing a great desire to improve and that is being reflected in their attitude on the pitch. If they keep the same kind of motivation going than this club indeed has a bright future."

It was also revealed yesterday that the club's new training grounds project in Tigne is progressing according to schedule. Abela said that works are expected to be finalised by May 2009.

Also yesterday, Sliema Wanderers FC signed an agreement with charity organisation Puttinu Cares. The partnership will see the Premier League club taking an active role in all fund-raising activities launched by the Children's Cancer Support Group in the coming months.