Qormi FC completed a significant transfer coup yesterday after succeeding in luring experienced defender Kenneth Scicluna to their fold from Valletta.
Scicluna, 32, had played for the Malta champions these past four years but in recent months he had fallen down the pecking order as injury had left him on the sidelines for much of the 2010-11 season.
Insiders said that Scicluna, formerly of Birkirkara, was seeking a move away from the capital to guarantee himself regular football.
This week, Mosta and Qormi sounded their interest and both Premier League clubs were engaged in talks with Valletta.
Scicluna also discussed matters with representatives of his suitors and yesterday he decided to join the Yellow-Blacks on loan for the rest of the season with an option of making the move permanent next year.
Scicluna is expected to make his first appearance for Qormi on Sunday in a match against Balzan Youths at the National Stadium.
Qormi are also stepping up their efforts to wrap up the signing of Nigerian forward Daniel Nwoke.
A verbal agreement has already been reached between the club and the player, however, it is highly unlikely that the deal will be closed in time for Nwoke, formerly of Floriana, to feature against Balzan this weekend.
MFA suspensions
Two Premier League players were sanctioned by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner yesterday following the opening round of matches last weekend.
Sliema midfielder Mark Scerri was handed a one-match ban for his red card in the 3-3 draw against Hibernians on Friday. Scerri will now skip Sliema’s match against Mqabba on Sunday.
The other player suspended was Lee James Agius. The Ħamrun Spartans midfielder was shown the red card in the closing stages of the Reds’ 3-1 win over Balzan Youths on Sunday.
Agius will sit out the match against Valletta tomorrow.