Branko Nisevic is looking forward to his new job at Gżira United as he vowed to do everything he can to help the newly-promoted side establish themselves in the BOV Premier League.
The Serbian was appointed Maroons’ head coach in the close season after he parted ways with Hibernians following a three-year spell during which he steered the Paolites to a league title.
Speaking during his official unveiling at the club headquarters yesterday, Nisevic said he had decided to accept the Maroons’ offer as he felt they had a very in-teresting project in the pipeline.
“When club president Sharlon Pace contacted me first I listened carefully to what he had to say and I was impressed with his plans for the team,” Nisevic said.
“Gżira United have a solid structure and with the right investment this club can establish themselves in the Premier League. Our first goal this season should be to keep away from the drop zone and make sure of survival as early as possible. Together, we can then start aspiring for bigger things.
“At the moment we are looking to reinforce the squad. We have brought in some quality players.
“In pre-season, the squad have to work hard to make sure we arrive for our opening league match prepared.”
At Gżira, Nisevic will be taking the job of Darren Abdilla who had led the club to promotion to the Premier League last season.
Abdilla remains in the technical staff as Nisevic’s right-hand man.
On Tuesday, the Malta FA approved a new format to the 2017-18 Premier League which will see the number of teams in-crease from 12 to 14.
Nisevic did not sound too keen on the new format.
“I was never in favour of having 14 teams in the Premier... I think it’s too much,” he said.
“One has to see the real reasons why they want to have 14 teams in the Premier League. For me a championship with 10 teams over three rounds would have been better but one has to be patient and see how it works out.
“When the foreign quota was increased to seven there was criticism from various quarters but it left a very good effect as we’ve seen in European club competitions this summer.
“So, I guess we just have to wait and see.”
Pace said that the club is following a three-year project aimed at making the club a mainstay in the top flight.
“Our plan is clear, we want to be in the Premier League for many years,” Pace said.
“In the first year we shall try to keep our place in the Premier League. Our next step should then be a top-four position.”
During yesterday’s news conference Tipbet were unveiled as the club’s new sponsors after signing a three-year deal.