Qormi FC have high hopes that the 2014-15 season could see them making a step up in class after wholesale changes this summer.
The Yellow-Blacks are presenting themselves for the upcoming campaign with a new technical staff spearheaded by coach Josef Mansueto and his assistant Rupert Mangion.
Mansueto and Mangion, in their first experience together in charge of a Premier League team, have a squad replete with talent to rely on.
The club secured the services of Nigerian striker Frank Temile, who played for Birkirkara last season, Serbian midfielder Zoran Levnaic, formerly of Hibs, Ghana defensive midfielder Albert Bruce, Brazilian midfielder Anderson Santos, Mauricio Mazzetti, an Argentine defender, and Italian Pietro Viggiani who plays in defence as well.
This has been a busy summer for Qormi who also have Bjorn Bondin on loan from Valletta and U-21 striker Ryan Micallef who joined from Rabat Ajax.
On the administrative side, the committee entered a partnership agreement with a Swiss financial group, headed by Giulio Alberico and Antonio Lusignani, which controls three companies – Sofin, Resonor and 2F Powertech.
They will be the main sponsors for the next three years. Club president Redino Apap said Qormi will be aiming high in 2014-15.
“This is by far the strongest squad we’ve had at Qormi for several years,” he said.
“Our priority should be to make sure the team moves clear of the red zone as quickly as possible. Once that is achieved we can aim for higher things this season.”
Push for Euro slot
Asked whether he fancied his team’s chances of pushing for a place in Europe, Apap had a clear vision on the subject.
“Last season, we were very close to a place in the Europa League via the FA Trophy but we lost in the semi-finals,” he said.
“No doubt, playing in UEFA competitions remains one of our club’s targets on the long term but I don’t want to see our team involved for just one year. We have to put this club on a solid financial base. That way we can aim to feature in European matches regularly as happens with the top four in our Premier League.”
Apap reckons clubs in the top flight have to generate huge amounts of money to keep afloat.
“A club like ours needs at least 250,000 euros each season to survive in the Premier League,” he said.
“It’s not easy to collect those funds every year given that we rely solely on volunteers.
“So, the way forward for Maltese clubs is to turn professional. In this regard, we think that the MFA and the authorities should help us to make that step up in quality. Otherwise, I’m afraid our football will never improve and the levels remain amateurish.”
Mansueto, previously engaged by the Malta FA in its youth set-up, said he was grateful for Qormi to have given him the opportunity to make his debut in the Premier League.
“This will be my first experience at this level and it’s a challenge that I’m relishing,” he said.
“Before pre-season we made it a point to have the new players with us as early as possible. That way, they had ample time to settle down and I’m really satisfied with their contribution.
“Besides, we are also giving a lot of importance to our youth players and those coming up through our nursery school.
“When you have a home-grown player making the grade it’s natural that they give more than their 100 per cent as they get more attached to the club’s shirt.
“I’m expecting a tight race and it will be very important that we start on a sound footing.
“Unfortunately our calendar looks complicated at first as we face the top five in our first seven outings.
“But I have full faith in my players and I’m backing them to attain a good placing and help the club achieve their aims.”