All the focus in the lead-up to Saturday’s vote has been on the two candidates for the Malta FA presidency but throughout the election campaign, Darmanin Demajo has been flanked by Antoine Portelli.
After serving on the committee of Msida St Joseph for several years, Portelli, who was also a member of the Malta FA Executive Committee in season 2009/10, has now set his sights on becoming the association’s treasurer.
“I think there’s a need for new blood in the administration of the MFA,” Portelli said on the sidelines of yesterday’s meeting in St Julian’s.
“I believe I can contribute at a higher level. I’m an accountant by profession and that means that I have the credentials to fill the position of MFA treasurer.”
Portelli is the only candidate for Saturday’s elections who has publicly aligned himself with Darmanin Demajo.
“I’ve decided to be part of Darmanin Demajo’s team because his leadership style is compatible with my vision of how a serious entity should be run,” Portelli said.
“I believe in the delegation of duties and the importance of having expertise in every field. You can’t do everything on your own.
“In my professional career, I’ve been privileged to work for a number of big, reputable companies and I don’t envisage difficulties to carry out the same job for the MFA if the members put their faith in me.”
Portelli also pledges to maintain an open and close contact with the clubs.
“I come from a club so I know exactly what the pains and needs of the clubs are,” Portelli stressed.
Alex Manfre, the long-serving MFA Honorary Treasurer, and Paul Bugeja will be Portelli’s challengers at Saturday’s election.
The smooth-talking Portelli believes the outcome of the election of MFA treasurer for the next three years will hinge on the presidential vote.
“Ultimately, I think the election for MFA treasurer will boil down to who wins the ballot for the presidency,” Portelli said.
“I presume that those in favour of Darmanin Demajo will vote for me in the treasurer’s election. I’m confident of receiving the members’ backing.”