Sciriha outlines club's plans for new season

The boisterous Valletta fans, thousands of them, celebrated in style on Sunday as the Citizens landed the FA Trophy after edging past Qormi 2-1 in the final.

First-half goals from Michael Mifsud and Terrence Scerri put Valletta firmly in charge as Qormi, playing their first final in a major competition, looked out-of-sorts for long stretches.

Njongo Priso could have killed Qormi's hopes of a comeback midway through the second half but failed to score from a penalty.

Camilo handed Qormi a lifeline, when he converted a penalty 12 minutes from time, but the Citizens held on to their lead to complete a domestic cup double after having lifted the coveted National League 100 Anniversary Cup on April 13.

Sunday's success was Valletta's 12th in the FA Trophy but it was the first for club president Victor Sciriha.

"I am pleased we succeeded in ending our campaign by winning the FA Trophy," Sciriha told The Times yesterday.

"Personally, I've never tasted success in this competition. When at Marsaxlokk, we lost the 2004 final and last year Valletta got beaten by Sliema on penalties.

"However, this honour goes entirely to the loyal Valletta FC fans. Although we missed out on our main objective of the season, the Premier League, they still remained behind the team and on Sunday they gave a clear example of their unrivalled loyalty by turning in thousands for the final."

The Valletta supremo is losing no time in ruing his team's misfortunes, however. The committee, he said, has already lined up plans for next season.

Coach Ton Caanen has already announced he was stepping down. He will be replaced by Jesmond Zerafa. Nicky Saliba has also decided to stop. Sciriha said Jesmond Zammit, the former Dingli coach, will be the new team manager but wants Saliba to take another role at the club.

"Valletta FC will have a new coaching team next season. Negotiations are close to be completed and we shall make an official announcement next week. Jesmond Zammit will be our new team manager, that's for sure.

"However, we can't let Saliba go, so we'll probably offer him another post within the club. It will be a big loss for us if he decides to stop completely."

The Valletta president also revealed that the Citizens will have a new line-up of foreign players next season but there won't be wholesale changes in the squad apart from that.

Dutchman Jordi Cruyff has hung up his boots while Ireland's Declan O'Brien has already got his contract rescinded. Priso is expected to play abroad next season as Valletta are considering three offers from foreign clubs for the Cameroon winger.

"It is likely that Priso Doding will leave the club this summer," he said.

"If terms apply for both player and club we will not stand in his way. The club has already identified new foreign players for next season, two from Brazil and one from Nigeria.

"Pre-season starts next week so we plan to have them here as early as possible. This time, however, we're not rushing to finalise their transfer and a final decision will be made at the end of August.

"Also, at the moment we're only looking to add two new Maltese players to the squad. Negotiations are at an advanced stage and they could start training with us next week."

Asked on Luke Dimech's future, Sciriha replied: "I have a good relationship with Luke. He apologised for his actions after an altercation with the fans.

"However, nobody is bigger than the club. I'll bring up the issue at the annual general meeting to see what the members have to say. Then, we'll decide on Dimech's future with Valletta FC."

Caanen farewell

Caanen, meanwhile, will be leaving Maltese football on a positive note.

He intends to continue his career elsewhere.

"Winning the FA Trophy with Valletta gave me immeasurable satisfaction," Caanen, who is mulling offers from Russia and Cyprus, said.

"True, we did not win the league but this cannot be considered as a bad season for Valletta. We won two trophies and missed the title by just one point. Terrence Scerri's goal against Qormi on Sunday was the 100th scored by my team this season in all competitions and that is already an impressive feat.

"This team has a bright future ahead. The fans are incredible and there is a very strong group of players. I'm sure my successor will do a good job. They told me, he already knows this club, having played here for several years.

"President Victor Sciriha is also a very passionate man who has done a lot for this club."