Qormi yesterday became the latest Premier League club to parade their new signings, including latest addition Daniel Nwoke, amid renewed optimism of a successful challenge for a place in the Championship Pool this season.
The Yellow-Blacks, this year celebrating their 50th anniversary, have been very active in the summer as they sought to strengthen their squad and boost their top-six chances after finishing in the Relegation Pool last season.
Greek defender Christos Karamanolis and Nigerian winger Aboubaker Bello Osagie were retained by Qormi who also signed Brazilian duo Giuseppe Vela and Jorginho.
Qormi also acquired a host of local players, namely Malta U-21 goalkeeper Steve Sultana, Charlon Sammut, Christian Briffa, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Dino Cachia and Kenneth Scicluna, the latter having joined on a one-year loan deal from Valletta.
This week, Qormi underlined their ambition when they completed the signing of striker Nwoke who has finally put pen to paper on a one-year contract. Nwoke scored 13 league goals in his five-month spell with Floriana last season.
Italian defender Federico Mirarchi, who came through the youth ranks of Serie A club Juventus, has also linked up with Qormi who are now looking forward to the remainder of the season with high optimism.
Coach Stephen Azzopardi, who is in his 11th season in the Premier League, is confident that Qormi will reach their objectives, given the quality of his squad.
“We have started the season with great enthusiasm and motivation,” Azzopardi told the media at the Amazonia Club in Buġibba.
“Missing out on a place in the Championship Pool on the last day was a disappointment for us last season. This time around, we are determined to go one step further.
“I believe that, since last season, we have improved and the inclusion of the new signings has streng-thened the team in all departments.
“I feel that we have the potential to at least qualify for the Championship Pool. Once that goal has been achieved, we will be able to aim for higher objectives.”
Redino Apap, the Qormi president, said that this season has special significance for the club as it marks its 50th anniversary.
“We are doing everything in our power to make sure that the club has a successful season,” Apap said.
“In the past three months, the club’s committee has worked really hard to bring in new players and transform the team into one of the leading sides of the Premier Legue. We have done well in our first four league matches and we are confident of challenging for high objectives this season.”
The Qormi president said the club will hold a number of activities to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
“We are planning a series of events to celebrate the club’s anniversary,” Apap said. “The highlight will be the inauguration of our club’s training ground which should be unveiled in the next few weeks.
“We are also going to launch a publication detailing 95 years of football activity in our locality. It will feature the history of the game in Qormi and the clubs that existed before Qormi FC were founded on September 20, 1961.”
Tumas Group are the club’s main sponsors this season along with Bajada New Energy, BMIT, Express Trailiers, Fitness Training, Red October, Powerade, Lamb Brand and Alf. Gatt Auto Parts.