Emma Lipman To Genoa, Valletta Extend Trio, Lija Secure Christiana Pisani Permanently

Valletta confirmed that Sabrin Blihi, Ylenia Grech and Sarah Vella Barberi will continue their journey with the team, while Lija Athletic have permanently secured the signature of goalkeeper Christiana Pisani. Genoa have secured the signing of Malta‘s captain, Emma Lipman. Swieqi United bolstered their technical staff with a new physical trainer in Luke Borg, while Mgarr United bid farewell to the one of the most historically significant figures of the women’s team, Mary Muscat.

Valletta Secure Extensions For Trio

Having teased their signature earlier last week, Valletta announced that defender Sabrin Blihi, playmaker Ylenia Grech and forward Sarah Vella Barberi will be continuing their stay with the side next season. The trio form part of a crucial backbone of players who were developed under the Raiders emblem and moved into Valletta’s colours last season.

Sabrin Blihi’s signature marks a continuation at the back, while the young defender also brings a versatility with her ability to fire home the spectacular free-kick, besides at times slotting between the sticks. Additionally, the defender’s leadership skills are also an important asset to the team.

While Jean Lopes may develop his own tactical style, there is no doubt that Ylenia Grech’s playmaking abilities will continue to be crucial in search of finding goals, especially to make the most of the returning Brazilian forward Marcelle.

Meanwhile, despite having had a delayed start last season due to injury, Sarah Vella Barberi notched seven goals in the Assikura Women’s League last year. Lopes will hope that the young forward can continue being a handful for defenders as the club seeks to build on last season’s tally.

Pisani Makes Switch To Lija Permanent

Lija Athletic confirmed that goalkeeper Christiana Pisani has completed a permanent move from Birkirkara. The goalkeeper was a mainstay for the side last season as they made a strong return to the Assikura Women’s League, keeping four clean sheets, while making more than a few impressive stops to give the team confidence in going forward. Her signature will undoubtedly have been an important one to secure for Jethron Azzopardi as the side looks to build on their maiden season together.

Mgarr Bid Farewell To Mary Muscat

The Greens’ activities will drum on into the next year with a significant hole in operations, as Mary Muscat formally parts ways with the club’s committee. Although also involved in the greater scheme of things with the club, Muscat leaves the football sector as one of most recognisable faces in the local women’s game.

Having formed part of a crucial backbone in the running of one of the longest continuously active teams in the women’s leagues, her day to day efforts played a part in shaping the interest for many active and past players. Her legacy remains an inspiration to those wishing to contribute to the growth of the game and serves as a reminder that the game needs more than dedicated players and coaches to live.

Swieqi United Announce Physical Trainer

The Owls have announced that Luke Borg will be filling the boots of a physical trainer with the senior and youth women’s teams. Borg transitions into the role having previously been active within the ranks of the Malta Football Association. He will be in support of the already announced coaching staff, Dorianne Theuma, Mandy Debono and Keith Gouder.

Emma Lipman Moves To Genoa

Malta’s captain, Emma Lipman, has been announced as a new signing for Italian side Genoa, who will be competing in Serie B next season. Lipman was previously employed within the ranks of Como in the Serie A. The upcoming season will mark her eighth season in Italy’s leagues, having been brought up within England’s football realm including a spell with Manchester City, as well as previous spells with Coventry City and Leeds.

The club has been active in the market, having also secured the signature of Martina Di Bari from Napoli and youngster Lisa Marchetti who previously donned the shirts of Cesena, Tavagnacco and Lucchese. The club also brought loanees Anastasia Ferrara from Roma and Giulia Giacobbo from Fiorentina.

Lead Images: Lara Schembri

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