Sciriha backs Valletta to reclaim title

Regaining the Premier League title is Valletta’s chief objective this season. After finishing runners-up in each of the past two years, the Citizens have their sights firmly set on winning the league crown and the club’s committee looks determined not to miss out again.

For the third successive season, Valletta have changed coach. Jesmond Zerafa is now in charge of the first team after a successful spell with Qormi. Valletta-born Zerafa is being assisted by Leonard Farrugia, another former City stalwart, while Jesmond Zammit, who coached Dingli Swallows last season, has been appointed team manager.

The Citizens have also signed four new foreigners, Nigerian duo Joseph Okonkwo and Omonigo Temile, and defender Ramon Dos Santos and Denni Dos Santos, both from Brazil. Defender Jonathan Caruana and wing-back Ian Azzopardi have also joined Valletta from Hibs and Sliema Wanderers respectively.

Victor Sciriha, now in his fourth year as Valletta president, has made it clear that the league title represents the club’s main target.

“In the last two seasons, Valletta had the best squad but, for one reason or another, we failed to win the title,” the Valletta supremo told reporters.

“This time we believe that we have all the ingredients to reach our objective. We have strengthened our squad considerably. Furthermore, the team is now under the charge of two former Valletta players who fully understand what it means to play for a prestigious club like Valletta.

“There’s no doubt that we have a tough task on our hands but, with the quality in our squad, I’m confident Valletta can again become the top team in Malta.”

Valletta have already lifted the Super Cup after beating champions Birkirkara 3-2 last month.

Zerafa said that success was a clear indication of the level of maturity the team has reached, adding he is confident the players have the mental strength to deal with the high expectations of the fans and the media.

“The Super Cup underlined the strength of this team,” Zerafa said.

“Against Birkirkara, we showed great discipline and self-control... our efforts were ultimately rewarded. We know that we are in for a tough campaign as all the other teams will be determined to beat Valletta. But, we are ready for the challenge and I hope we will treat our fans to a memorable season.”

Asked if he felt any extra pressure to lead a top team like Valletta, Zerafa responded: “I just feel privileged to be working for this club. I’m also lucky to have a group of very talented players, all committed to the cause.

“The committee brought in the players I requested and now it’s down to me to help the team achieve the pre-set objectives.”

Apart from success on the field, Valletta are also working on a number of projects aimed at strengthening the club’s financial position.

Sciriha yesterday announced that Valletta FC are close to signing an agreement with the government to acquire a land for a football stadium and training complex.

“Hopefully, by the end of the month, we will reach an accord to acquire a site in Ħal Farruġ where we plan to have our own stadium,” Sciriha said.

“This is a very ambitious project. If our plans are met, this project should generate enough revenue to make the Valletta FC self-sufficient in future.”

Sciriha also revealed that, in the past few weeks, Valletta had appointed Englishman Ricky Reeves, who enjoys a high profile in the UK’s management consultancy industry, as club consultant while entrepreneur Alex Fenech has been co-opted to the committee.

Valletta will present the new squad to their fans on Friday evening during a social activity at Hastings Garden.

The Valletta president ended the news conference by thanking Famalco Group, the club’s new sponsors. The other firms backing Valletta FC are Mare Blu, Heat, Passalacqua, Powerade, Gato Negro, Shark and Le Meridien Hotel.