by SK Victoria Wanderers have formed an alliance with Lija Athletic, under the emblem of SK Lija, while confirming Jethron Azzopardi & Michael Briscoe as head coaches. The Greens confirmed the retention of Brenda Borg and Kayah Abela Sciberras. San Gwann secured five signings for their youth teams, while Michaela Cachia, Tammy Falzon and Jade Schembri will continue life with Swieqi United on a semi-professional basis. Valletta announced that Jean Lopes will be spearheading the coaching setup.
SK Victoria Wanderers & Lija Joined Venture
Gozitan outfit S.K. Victoria Wanderers will be joining forces with Lija Athletic in the upcoming season, confirming the disbandment of the SKMM venture that was established last year involving the Gozitan side, together with Mgarr United and Mtarfa.
The side has hinted its intention to participate in the U16 and the U19 leagues, with the two teams being led by Michael Briscoe. The coach will thus continue building on the foundation set last season in the U16 league, then participating as Lija-Sliema where they secured a fourth place finish in the debut season. In addition, the coach will also be leading the U19 team, which confirms a new team in the league.
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic also confirmed that coach Jethron Azzopardi will continue spearheading the team after a strong debut last season. The team notched 22 points to finish in joint second-place with San Gwann in the bottom four group, pipped only by goal difference. He will continue to be assisted by Wayne Aquilina, who will also serve as the goalkeeper coach.
SK Lija also confirmed four player signings who are expected to participate at youth levels. These include Gloria Cassar who makes the switch from Valletta, as well as capturing a trio from Gudja United in Shezny Schembri, Yasmine Camilleri and Cloe Pace.
Mgarr Retain Brenda Borg, Extend Kayah Abela Sciberras
The Greens confirmed a key piece of the puzzle for the upcoming season with the extension of Brenda Borg. The number seventy-seven has often been the metronome for the side, operating in the centre of the pitch, with relentless consistency and work ethic.
Her retention was no doubt a must for the Greens should they hope to better last season’s results and return to title-challenging status. With an eye for a killer pass, a knack for rolling her markers but never shirking defensive duties, Borg’s performances at club level have also earned her a consistent place with Malta’s Women’s National Team, who return on the 12th July against Northern Ireland.
The team also extended Kayah Abela Sciberras who last year grew into the senior team at the turn of the year as Ryan Vella took over, while also featuring at U19 level under the emblem of SKMM. The nineteen year old was often employed on the wing or at full-back and showed a willingness to get forward. A product of Mgarr United’s academy since twelve years old, the youngster will hope to continue establishing herself within the Greens’ senior team.
The club also completed the coaching unit with the announcement of Nathaniel Camilleri who will be operating as assistant to head coach Ryan Vella, while also undertaking analysis duties. He joins Matthew Muscat and Ray Vella, who were announced in the previous weeks.
San Gwann Bolster Youth Squads
The Yellows have continued their focus on youth player signings. The side made a strong capture in the goalkeeping department, securing the services of Geona Muscat from Hibernians. Muscat will be playing with the U19, following a season where she lifted the BNF National League title (U16) with the Paolites, as well as featuring in the Assikura Women’s Youth League as well.
San Gwann also announced four fresh faces with the U16 setup. Martina Vassallo also makes the switch from the title winning Hibernians (U16). Margarita Minasyan switches from Valletta’s U16 team, who achieved a runner’s up finish in the Knockout in their debut last season. San Gwann also captured duo Kezia Mintoff and Layla Fenech Littlejohn from Swieqi United’s U16 team.
Swieqi United Announce Michaela Cachia, Tammy Falzon & Jade Schembri On Semi-Pro Basis
The Owls made more key retentions, as well as continuing to back up their strategy to elevate the team to a semi-professional status. The trio announced this week were Michaela Cachia, Tammy Falzon and Jade Schembri.
Midfielder Michaela Cachia was announced on a semi-professional basis on Tuesday, with the eighteen year old having been a crucial maestro and vice-captain of the U19 team which clinched the double (Assikura Women’s Youth League and Assikura Women’s Youth Knockout). Cachia also grew as a key member within the first-eleven last season, holding her own with crucial contributions and a determined work ethic against the top-most teams.
Joining her were the defensive duo Tammy Falzon & Jade Schembri. Tammy Falzon captained the U19 team as they clinched the double last season. Falzon was also indispensable in defence alongside Rafanny Abache Mendoza with the senior team as they secured a second place finish.
Often operating as the right-back, with a willingness to get stuck in and charge up the wing, Jade Schembri was another of the most utilised first-team players for the senior team, as they secured second place last season. As one of the longer serving members within the team, Schembri’s retention will no doubt have been another important signature for the Owls as they head into next season under a new coaching regime and operating model.
Valletta Announce Coaching Trio
Valletta have announced that Jean Lopes will be the head coach of the senior team next season, following a successful interim spell since the turn of the year. Lopes transitioned into the role filling in for then coach Denis Guerra, having acted as his assistant for five years.
Lopes took over both the U19 and senior team after Christmas, steering the U19s to a runner’s up finish in the Assikura Women’s Youth Knockout and in the Assikura Women’s Youth League. In the senior league, the team went on an unbeaten streak to finish the season as clear leaders of the ‘bottom four’ group.
Jean Lopes will be assisted by Brazilian compatriot Leonardo Rodrigues. Valletta player Lisa Vella will also be doubling up her duties, taking over as the ‘Strength & Conditioning Coach’ for the team as well. Having joined the outfit last season, the defender will be hoping to have a positive impact on a wider level, as Valletta seek to build on their debut season.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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