Stripes bolster squad with Sciberras signing

Birkirkara strengthened their midfield department by no small measure yesterday with the signing of Malta international Gareth Sciberras from Marsaxlokk.

This summer, the Stripes have already completed the signing of young winger Leighton Grech besides securing the services of Under-21 striker Terrence Vella for the next five years.

However, the successful move for Sciberras, 28, is considered the most attractive signing so far in the local transfer market as the defensive midfielder has plenty of experience to rely on following his days with Pietà Hotspurs and Marsaxlokk with whom he won the league title in 2007.

Sciberras, who also courted interest from Hibernians, signed a three-year contract with his new club and is now expected to be included in the Stripes’ squad for Thursday’s Europa League match against Albania’s Vllaznia.

His move to Birkirkara also means that Sciberras will be re-united with his former coach at Marsaxlokk Patrick Curmi who replaced Paul Zammit a few weeks ago.

“These are the type of players we want at Birkirkara,” Curmi told The Times yesterday.

“When it emerged that Gareth was on the transfer market, I immediately told the committee to sign him if possible. He has an excellent character, a real gentle-man both on and off the field.

“I’m happy that he has decided to join my team.”

At present, Birkirkara have three foreign players on a short-term contract.

Defender Marcis Savinovs, of Latvia, and Brazilian duo Antonio Carlos Gomes and David da Silva all had their first taste of Maltese football in the Euro Cup last week.

More dealings?

All three are expected to play a part against Vllaznia, provided the necessary paperwork reaches the MFA in time. However, Curmi said that the transfer dealings could not be over as yet for Birkirkara.

“We have to carefully analyse the foreigners currently on trial.

“After that we will be in a better position to identify any areas which have to be strengthened if the need arises,” Curmi said.

“This team should be more competitive for the new season with some fine tunings.”

Birkirkara will play the first leg against Vllaznia in Corradino.

Curmi has an almost complete squad available bar Alan Tabone who pulled his hamstring during training. Joseph Zerafa and Shaun Bajada are not fully fit at present but are likely to recover in time for Thursday’s match.