Malta defender Steve Borg (left) is set to join South African top-flight club Platinum Stars. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Steve Borg is pursuing a new challenge in his burgeoning career after agreeing a two-year deal with Platinum Stars, the club from South Africa.

Long hailed as one of the most talented defenders in Maltese football, Borg has impressed the coaching staff of Platinum Stars during a trial last week.

The robust defender also had an offer from Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta, now under the guidance of former Valletta coach Andre Paus, but his choice fell on Platinum Stars.

“Since I was a child, my dream has always been to play overseas,” Borg told Times of Malta, yesterday.

“I didn’t try to move earlier as I was focused on my University course.

“A switch to a foreign club would have affected my studies but this is the right time for me to seek a new challenge as my contract with Valletta expired at the end of last season and I have completed my studies.

“I’m willing to improve myself as a player. This is not just about securing a better contract... I can only get better by playing in a more stronger league.”

Having risen through the youth ranks of Mosta, Borg joined Valletta on a five-year deal in July 2009.

During his spell with the Citizens, Borg justified his potential as he became a first-choice player, helping the team win three league titles and a host of other honours.

Capped nine times by Malta, Borg is delighted that his efforts have brought him to the attention of foreign clubs this summer.

“It’s a big satisfaction not only for me but also for my family and girlfriend who have always shown their backing,” Borg said.

For a while, it looked as though Anorthosis Famagusta had put themselves in pole position to sign Borg as Dutch coach Paus was very keen to add the versatile 26-year-old central defender, who can also play at right-back, to his squad.

Borg also reportedly travelled to Cyprus earlier this week for talks with Anorthosis but after evaluating their offer, he opted for Platinum Stars.

“My impression is that the standard of football in South Africa is slightly better than Cyprus,” Borg said.

“Both clubs are run on a professional basis with their own stadium and training grounds.”

Although Platinum Stars were first to declare their interest in Borg, he had it all to do to earn a deal as he underwent a trial last week.

Borg has lived up to expectations, however.

“I did well during my trial in South Africa,” Borg said.

“I had the opportunity to play in a friendly on the last day of my trial and everything went well for me.

“I played centre-half, my favoured position, and my performance was really good.”

Based in Phokeng, near Rustenburg, Platinum Stars play in South Africa’s Premier League. They finished eighth last season.

Buttigieg talks

The committee of the Floriana FC nursery are engaged in efforts to persuade John Buttigieg to become their new head coach.

Sources told Times of Malta that the Greens are very keen on Buttigieg to take charge of their nursery and talks are on-going.

Buttigieg has been away from the limelight since his contract as national coach was terminated prematurely by the Malta FA in 2011.

Elsewhere, Premier League club Tarxien Rainbows have signed Brazilian defender Alessandro Lopes.

The 30-year-old landed in Malta this week to complete his move to the Rainbows who have confirmed Brazilian winger Jorge and Spanish midfielder Carlos Menendez Hevia.

Elsewhere, Qormi acquired Serbian defender-cum-midfielder Zoran Levnaic who last week parted company with Hibernians.