Qormi have confirmed the appointment of Josef Mansueto as their new coach.

Mansueto, a former MFA youth coach who joined Qormi last summer as first-team assistant coach, has agreed a two-year deal with the Premier League club. He will take charge of his first training session next week when Qormi begin their pre-season conditioning.

Of the foreign players Qormi had last season, only Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong has been retained. Mansueto and Redino Apap, who has stayed on as Qormi FC president, are now engaged in efforts to bring a host of foreign players for a trial next month.

Elsewhere, Valletta are hopeful of concluding a deal to sign a foreign midfielder.

Their no.1 target is Portuguese Hugo Faria who played with former Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg at Greek club Kalloni last season.

The champions are keen to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Irakli Maisuradze, who has joined former City coach Andre Paus at Anorthosis, and Edmond Agius who moved to Birkirkara last week.

Hamza Barry is also expected to move amid reports that Tunisia’s Esperance are interested in the Gambian midfielder.

Meanwhile, Naxxar Lions have received a boost with the news that Dione Drago has been re-appointed club president.

Drago had stepped down from his post in April, days before receiving a 10-match touchline ban. However, he has now reversed his decision.