Hibs Medsea yesterday unveiled new signing Joselle Cardona who joined the champions from Peugeot League rivals Depiro.
A delighted Charles Deguara, Hibs Medsea vice-president, told a conference call that the acquisition of Cardona was a great coup for the club as he had no doubt that the towering rebounder will prove to be a great asset for the team as they launch their title bid next seaon.
"This new signing is great news to our team," Deguara said yesterday.
"Although still 21, she has been playing the game for a few years now and has established herself as one of the best players around. No doubt, her contribution will take our team to a higher level of competition as we seek to retain the championship for a fourth successive year."
Cardona said that after a rather long spell with Depiro, with whom she won all domestic honours in women's basketball, she thought the time was right to seek a new challenge and a move to another strong team. Hibs Medsea was the ideal club to fulfil her ambitions.
"It was not easy for me to leave Depiro," she said. "But, I felt that I needed a new challenge and Hibs represented the perfect move for me. They are organised and I know we can win many other titles.
"I am not expecting a very difficult transition as I know most of the players here who are in the national team. It makes life easier."
Hibs will again be under the leadership of coach Mario Tabone next season. The girls will be donning a new kit after the club reached an agreement with sportswear company Errea.
Yesterday, the Paola club also confirmed that they have extended their partnership with main sponsors Medsea Shipping Agency for another three years.
"It was always my company's objective to continue with this relationship with Hibs Basketball Club," Teddy Vassallo, of Medsea Shipping Agency, said.
"The past three years have been very successful and now with the addition of Joselle Cardona I'm sure the team will be stronger."
Vassallo also revealed he is planning to help Hibs achieve their objective of reviving the men's team, now absent from the MBA leagues for the past six years.
"Hibs were the dominant side in women's basketball this past decade or so. Now, it's their wish to try and challenge for the honours in the men's division as well," Vassallo said.
"The plan is to nurture Hibs' future team from the nursery and the committee is confident that in the next five years Hibs will be ready to play in the men's senior competitions."