Vittoriosa Stars’ objective for the 2013/14 season is to retain their Premier League status after securing promotion as Division One runners-up last May.
Led by coach Oliver Spiteri, Vittoriosa will rely on the bulk of players they had last year plus a few additions. The new signings were presented during a news conference at Vittoriosa’s refurbished clubhouse this week.
After confirming Brazilian duo Marcelo Pereira and Ramon Dos Santos, Spiteri has engaged two new foreigners in Brazilian midfielder Marcio Teruel and Colombian forward Oscar Dario Guerrero Alvarado whose move to Maltese football has attracted the attention of the media in his home country.
Teruel turned out for Serbian club FK Jagodina last season while Guerrero figured for Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel.
A host of Maltese players are also being handed the chance to prove themselves in the Premier League with Vittoriosa.
Clive Spiteri and Ryan Mifsud have signed for the Cottonera club from Pietà Hotspurs and Marsa-xlokk while striker Gilbert Martin and Michael Camilleri have joined on loan from Fgura and Birkirkara respectively.
Twin brothers Samir and Siraj Arab, who are on the books of Valletta, have also extended their loan with Vittoriosa for another year.
The Vittoriosa coach said the club opted for a prudent approach in the transfer market as they were determined to adhere to their budget.
“With the finances available, I’m satisfied with the signings we have made,” Spiteri said.
“We have been extra careful not to make drastic changes to the squad as we didn’t want to upset the strong team spirit we had last season in Division One.
“Furthermore, we are doing our best to stick to our budget as the club’s financial position is also a top priority.
“The last time Vittoriosa Stars played in the Premier League in season 2010/11, several players were on loan but the situation is much better today as 11 to 12 members of the current squad are now registered at the club.
“The committee have also invested significantly to improve infrastructure with the aim of im-proving sustainability.”
While acknowledging that Vittoriosa’s aim is to keep their place in the top league at the end of the season, Spiteri is predicting a four-way relegation fight.
“On paper, three to four teams look to be a cut above the rest,” Spiteri said.
“Then, there are another four teams who will play for the mid-table positions while the remaining four will battle it out against relegation.”
Fifth foreigner
Spiteri is hopeful of completing the signing of a fifth foreign player, a midfielder who had a short spell in the Premier League a few years ago, before the opening league match against Balzan today week.
Erskine Vella, the Vittoriosa Stars president, said the club are putting their faith in the players who helped the team gain promotion.
He thanked the club’s kit suppliers, TuttoSport, local agents for Givova, and all the sponsors for their constant support.