'Up where we belong' is the motto Żejtun Corinthians have chosen for a new project aimed at propelling the Division Three club back into the top echelons of Maltese football.
Spearheaded by new president John Bugeja, who for several years was the general secretary of Premier League club Sliema Wanderers, Żejtun mean business as the merger between the Corinthians and Żejtun Red Stars, one of the leading clubs in local MAFA competitions, clearly demonstrates.
Details about Żejtun Corinthians' ambitious plan to climb the football ladder were given yesterday by Bugeja during a well-organised news conference at the Waterline Restaurant in Marsascala.
"We haven't organised this activity today only to tell you that our club suddenly has lofty ambitions to move forward," Bugeja said.
"As one of the largest villages on the island, Żejtun deserves a place in the top tiers of Maltese football.
"When we decided to launch this drive, we looked at all the components of the club. Up to a few months ago, there were two clubs in the village, Żejtun Corinthians and Żejtun Red Stars. The Red Stars have won every honour in MAFA competitions and it gives me great satisfaction to announce that they have agreed to join forces with the Corinthians."
Żejtun have high hopes of making a strong push for promotion this season after bringing in a raft of reinforcements.
Several players with Premier League experience have joined the Corinthians, including Charlò Magro, who won the title with Marsaxlokk, Carmel Formosa, formerly of Qormi, Edward Azzopardi, ex-Valletta, former Marsa defender Darren Vella and Kenneth Abela, who had a spell with Hibs in the early years of his career.
Bugeja said that the best elements from last season's squad have been retained.
Żejtun have appointed experienced coach Edward Darmanin to lead their team this season. Darmanin has been impressed with the atmosphere at the club.
"The atmosphere is brilliant and the organisation at the club is so professional, probably better than some of the Premier League clubs," Darmanin, a former Malta international, said.
"I will do my best to help the club reach their objectives but it's important that we stick together, especially when the going gets tough."