Forward-looking Mosta FC pin hopes on youngsters

New faces bring fresh enthusiasm and that is certainly the case at Mosta FC.

In the close season, the Division One club elected a new committee, headed by George Galea, and engaged a new coach, Oliver Spiteri.

Mosta's long-standing ambition is to regain their top-flight status but Galea insisted that they are not chasing instant success.

"We are pinning our hopes on young players because we want to lay solid foundations for the future," Galea told reporters at the Montekristo Estates yesterday.

"The committee is now made up of new members who have fresh ideas but we are keeping our feet on the ground. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves. Premier League football remains a target for Mosta FC but we have set our sights on gradual progress.

"We are working to assemble a young squad. In line with our policy to invest in young, talented players, we have appointed Oliver Spiteri as head coach. He is an expert in youth football. The same goes for Anton Cremona, his right-hand man, who was the assistant coach of Valletta FC."

Mosta, who have also secured a new kit sponsorship deal with Urban Jungle, have revamped their squad in the summer.

Their new signings include English midfielder Mark Briggs, Nathan Koo-Boothe, a Jamaican U-23 international, Julian Vella, Lee Grima, Kane Farrugia, Luke Stivala, Terrence Vella and David Cauchi.

Spiteri explained that Mosta's vision for the future convinced him to take up the job.

"I had another year left on my contract with the Malta FA," Spiteri said.

"But, I felt the time was right for me to move back into club coaching. I had been in advanced talks with a Premier League club but I eventually chose to join Mosta because they are a forward-looking club with an emphasis on young players.

"I know this will be an uphill task but I relish a challenge."

Mosta are also eager to achieve success in women's football.

Ray Sant, the coach of the women's side, is optimistic that Mosta can challenge for the main honours this season, especially on the back of their Super Cup success.

Mosta FC also used yesterday's activity to launch their enhanced website, www.mostafootballclub.com, and provide an update on their plans to redevelop their ground.

Galea explained that the permits for the installation of an artificial turf pitch and the construction of a stand have been approved by MEPA and works are expected to commence soon.

The project, at an estimated cost of €580,000, is to be financed by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport.

Mosta also paid tribute to Joe Muscat, their kit manager and webmaster who, in the words of club president Galea, "breathes and sleeps Mosta".

It was also revealed yesterday that Muscat, who was presented with a memento by the club, is in contact with his counterpart at Manchester United to set up a kit managers association.